Everton set to appoint new manager with betting suspended for frontrunner

Betting has been suspended for Sean Dyche to become the new Everton manager after Marcelo Bielsa dropped out of the race. 

Sportsmail broke the news on Friday morning that Bielsa had rejected chance to replace Frank Lampard, with Dyche in turn moving into pole position. 

Betfair have since suspended betting for Dyche to take over, and Sportsmail understands the former Burnley boss is looking to sign a long-term deal. 

Dyche has emerged as the frontrunner after Marcelo Bielsa rejected the Everton job 

Dyche was already on the Everton board’s list of candidates prior to Bielsa ruling himself out as an option.

The 51-year-old, who has been out of work since being sacked by Burnley in April last year, is now the frontrunner to take over the club currently sat 19th in the Premier League table and in genuine danger of relegation. 

As for Bielsa, Sportsmail understands the former Leeds boss had emerged as Everton’s top target to replace Lampard, who was sacked earlier this week following one win from 14 matches. 

Bielsa flew into London on Thursday for discussions with the club’s hierarchy, though Everton were worried he would reject the role over fears about the squad’s lack of pace. 

Bielsa was pictured arriving in London on Thursday in exclusive pictures from Sportsmail 

The Argentinian has now informed the Everton board – led by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright – that he does not want the role at this time and would prefer to take charge in July. 

Instead, it appears as if Dyche will win the race to take over as Everton manager with 18 Premier League games to come in the battle to avoid the drop. 

Dyche would start his reign at home to Arsenal on February 4, before travelling to bitter rivals Liverpool on February 13. 

The Toffees are not in action this weekend, having been knocked out of the FA Cup in a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.   

Dyche, should he indeed take the job,…