Marcelo Bielsa offered to manage Everton under-21s instead of the senior team

Marcelo Bielsa wanted to work with Everton's under-21 side until the end of the season before stepping up to become first-team manager.

The 67-year-old Argentine, who was sacked by Leeds in February following a run of poor form, has been heavily linked with the vacant Everton post following the departure of Frank Lampard.

In fact, after taking a 10-hour flight from Brazil to Liverpool, he engaged in 'lengthy talks' with the club's hierarchy, according to The Times.

During these discussions, Bielsa said he needed seven weeks to ensure the squad would adapt to his methods – a suggestion that meant taking charge of the first-team with immediate effect was going to be tough.

After the proposal was deemed 'unworkable', Bielsa wanted to bring eight backroom members of staff with him and work with the U21s and academy between now and the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Argentine would then step up and become first-team manager but relegation-threatened Everton turned down that suggestion as they are in desperate need of inspiration from the touchline.

It must be noted that Bielsa was owner Farhad Moshiri’s favoured choice.

Everton currently face the prospect of playing in England's second tier for the first time since the 1953/54 season. They currently sit in 19th place after picking up just three wins from 20 games.

The Times also claim former Burnley boss Sean Dyche is set to be named the next Everton manager – and it could happen as early as today [Friday].

Dyche is seen as a 'safe pair of hands' and someone who keen to prove his doubters wrong after being sacked by the Clarets last year.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter on Friday morning to confirm that a deal is close, with the final details 'being sorted'.

The 51-year-old former Chesterfield and Watford defender is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract at Goodison Park.

Earlier this week, former Everton striker Wayne Rooney was named as one of the bookmakers' favourites to replace Frank Lampard, who was sacked earlier this week after less than a year in charge.

Duncan Ferguson, who has recently appointed manager of League One outfit Forest Green, was also mentioned alongside David Moyes, Nuno Espirito Santo and former Toffees full-back Leighton Baines.

Thoughts on the incoming appointment of Sean Dyche? Do you think Everton should have gone with Marcelo Bielsa instead?

Let us know in the comments.