Sean Dyche set for shock return to English football after being sacked by Everton with club who previously ignored him

Sean Dyche is closing in on a surprise return to management in English football, according to reports - with a club who previously turned down the chance to appoint him.

Dyche was sacked by Everton in January amidst growing fan discontent and with the club having won only three of its 19 Premier League matches this season at the time.

The Englishman departed Goodison Park just hours before the Toffees took on Peterborough in the FA Cup third round.

He claimed he left the team in 'good shape', but that it was 'the right time' to leave the club in a statement via the League Managers' Association website.

David Moyes was installed as manager days later and quickly inspired an upturn in form, with Everton winning six of his 17 league matches in charge.

Dyche, meanwhile, is still waiting for his next job - but is reportedly closing in on a return to management.

That's according to talkSPORT, who claim that he is a contender to take over at already-relegated Leicester City.

The Foxes will return to the Championship next season after just one season back in the top flight, and are expected to part company with current boss Ruud van Nistelrooy in the summer.

It is reported that Dyche, who was promoted out of the Championship twice with Burnley, is well-liked by Leicester director of football Jon Rudkin.

Van Nistelrooy has won just four of his 24 matches as Leicester boss (Image: Twitter)

The Sun claim that Dyche was 'ready' to take over at the King Power Stadium earlier in the season but was 'ignored' by club bosses.

But his experience could prove vital in rejuvenating a Leicester squad that fell significantly short of the quality needed to remain in the Premier League.

Any rebuild will have to be done without club captain Jamie Vardy, who has announced he is leaving the Foxes at the end of his contract next month.

The 38-year-old, according to Sky Sports, does not want to sign for another Championship club and instead hopes to remain in the Premier League.