Everton are ‘closing in’ on the appointment of Vitor Pereira as the club’s next manager following successful talks.
Pereira has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant role and has held negotiations with the Everton board, as the Toffees seek a replacement for Rafael Benitez following the Spaniard’s dismissal earlier this month.
The Mail are reporting that only a significant ‘U-turn’ would prevent the Portuguese coach from being named as Benitez’s successor, with owner Farhad Moshiri keen to bring in new ideas after a succession of failed appointments with previous Premier League experience.
Pereira previously held talks over the position in 2019, but remained with Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG after negotiations. He has remained on Everton’s radar, however, and now looks set for an opportunity in the Premier League.
The 53-year-old won two league titles during a spell in charge at Porto, whilst he has also won silverware with the likes of Olympiacos and Shanghai SIPG.
Pereira’s experience of winning trophies and proven track-record of developing players is understood to have appealed to Everton, who will hope the new manager can lead the club away from the Premier League’s relegation places.
Last weekend’s home defeat to Aston Villa leaves Everton 16th in the Premier League, just four points above the division’s drop zone.
