Vitor Pereira is ready to drop plans of taking the Everton job.
The Daily Mail reports the former Porto boss is considering pulling out of the running following backlash from Blues supporters.
Widespread reports this week suggested Pereira was in talks for the job and in the last 24 hours it has been claimed he was the favoured candidate.
The Portuguese coach says he 'is sad at the protests from supporters against his appointment given people are judging him without knowing him'.
The article goes on to suggest Pereira's withdrawal could open the door for Frank Lampard, who is reportedly still a strong candidate.