Vitor Pereira has ruled himself out of the race to be the next Everton manager.
The Shanghai SIPG boss has been one of the names heavily linked to the vacant position over the last few days, following the sacking of Marco Silva last week.
Duncan Ferguson took temporary charge of the side for a rousing 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday at Goodison Park while the search for a new permanent boss got underway.
However, despite strong rumours suggesting Pereira could be in line to take the job, the 51-year-old is committed to staying in China.
The former Porto and Olympiakos manager told Sky Sports : "It’s always an honour and I am utterly grateful to be considered on a list by a club that I have so much respect for.
"At this point I am still the coach of SIPG a club close to my heart in a country that is growing immensely in football.
"Currently I am not in a position to make any other commitments. I cannot decide now I need time to think and plan my future by looking at all the options I have.
"It’s a league I love and yes for sure I would love to consider an opportunity in the future."
Everton's search for a new manager is still continuing, with Ferguson set to still be in charge in the interim.
The Blues will travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday for their next Premier League match before hosting Leicester City in the League Cup three days later.
