Marcelo Bielsa pictured arriving at Heathrow ahead of Everton talks

Marcelo Bielsa flew into London for talks over the vacant Everton manager’s job on Thursday but Sean Dyche is emerging as a strong contender if the Argentine cannot be persuaded to join.

Bielsa is the club’s first choice, however, and if they did turn to Dyche, the former Burnley boss would likely have to accept a short-term deal.

Former Leeds boss Bielsa, who Sportsmail revealed as the the club’s first-choice candidate, travelled to London from Brazil ahead of formal discussions with the Toffees.

There is an acknowledgement from Everton that they face an uphill battle to get a deal for Bielsa over the line, due to his reservations about whether the current squad can adapt to his high-energy style.

Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is in London to talk to Everton’s hierarchy about their vacant manager’s position

However, Bielsa’s arrival in the capital has sparked optimism that a deal may not be out of reach. 

It is now up to Everton to persuade Bielsa to replace Lampard, who lost his job on Monday but went back to the club on Thursday to say his goodbyes to staff and players. 

Convincing Bielsa, who is unlikely to accept a short-term deal to commit the relegation-threatened club, would be a great achievement. He was notoriously demanding in negotiating internal matters at Leeds.

Bielsa is fiercely loyal to his staff and will likely insist a number of his trusted aides come as part of the package.

The South American earned upwards of £11million at Elland Road, and distributed his staff’s earnings from his own salary.

Everton are looking to replace Frank Lampard after sacking him on Monday following a dismal run of results

Former Burnley manager Sean Dyche has emerged as a contender if Bielsa cannot be persuaded to move to Everton

It remains to be seen whether Everton are willing to go as high as Bielsa’s wages at Leeds given their well-documented financial constraints.

The…