Former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is set to turn down the job at Everton.

Bielsa emerged as the Toffees' top target to replace Frank Lampard, who was sacked earlier this week following one win from 14 matches, and jetted into London on Thursday for discussions with the club's hierarchy.

Everton had already feared that Bielsa would reject the role over concerns about the squad's lack of pace amid their battle against relegation - with the team slipping to 19th in their turbulent season under Lampard.

The Daily Mail says the Argentinian is expected to tell the Everton board - led by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright - that he does not want the role at this time and would prefer to take charge in July.

Everton need somebody in now though as they face an uphill battle to avoid slipping into the Championship.