Everton are tonight insisting the selection process for their new manager remains ongoing - but Nuno Espírito Santo is now the firm favourite to land the job.
The former Wolves boss is expected to hold further talks with the Blues in the coming days.
And the Portuguese coach - described as a ‘strong candidate’ by Goodison insiders - looks to be closing in on the job.
Everton, earlier on Friday, were not expecting to tie up a deal for a new manager until next week.
And that remains the case despite Espírito Santo moving in to pole position.
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Discussions will pick now pick up pace with the 47-year-old who left Wolves at the end of the season.
Espírito Santo had held talks with Crystal Palace and, earlier this week, looked set for Selhurst Park but a move collapsed.
Everton are now moving in on the former Valencia coach even though the Blues have insisted no decision has been taken on how will replace Carlo Ancelotti.
