Inside Everton’s failed Marcelo Bielsa swoop as ex-Leeds boss bizarrely wanted to spend six months with U21s first

MARCELO BIELSA made bizarre requests during talks to take over as Everton manager.

The Toffees decided against appointing the Argentine and look set to confirm Sean Dyche as Frank Lampard's successor.

But Bielsa was first-choice despite the former Leeds boss identifying several problems with the squad, including a lack of pace.

Bielsa flew in from Brazil to discuss the manager's job but after lengthy talks the Everton board decided he was not suitable.

SunSport understands the 67-year-old wanted a three-and-a-half-year deal worth £10.5million a year.

But weirdly he wanted to spend the first six months working with the Under-21s and the academy before stepping up to become first-team manager.

Bielsa also wanted to bring in eight coaches and explained he would need seven weeks to bring the squad up to date with his methods.

But Everton are second bottom of the Premier League and need a manager to make an instant impact.

Dyche is expected to be confirmed as the new Everton manager today - nine months after being sacked by Burnley.

Former Toffees boss Sam Allardyce was considered, as was Davide Ancelotti, the son of another of Moshiri’s former managers Carlo.

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Ralph Hassenhutl, unemployed since his dismissal from Southampton, also made the shortlist.

Everton have already been trolled over their imminent appointment of Dyche, with a fan joking the 51-year-old is "crazy" to move to Goodison Park.