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Report: ‘Fantastic’ manager wanted Everton job before Benitez, he’s now back on the shortlist

Royal Antwerp FC v Fenerbahce - Group D - UEFA Europa League
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According to , Everton have added Vitor Pereira to their shortlist as they continue to search for Rafa Benitez’s successor.

The Toffees parted ways with the Spaniard after their defeat to Norwich City over the weekend. The loss proved to be one too many and just one win in 12 games meant that Benitez simply had to go.

Everton have appointed Duncan Ferguson as caretaker manager until they find a permanent boss. They have been linked with a whole host of names already, including Wayne Rooney, Roberto Martinez, Frank Lampard and even Brighton boss Graham Potter.

There’s now a new name on Farhad Moshiri’s list, but it’s not really a new name to Everton fans who keep a close eye on the rumour mill.

Everton are considering Vitor Pereira to succeed Benitez

If you’re an Everton fan and are wondering why that name sounds familiar, it’s because Pereira has been linked with the Goodison Park hot seat plenty of times in the past.

The first time he made the news in Merseyside was when David Moyes left the club. reported in 2013 that the Portuguese tactician, who was then at Porto, was being considered to replace the Scot.

Fast forward six years, Pereira was once again, this time when Marco Silva was sacked. However, he rejected a move to Everton as he was happy in China with SIPG.

Pereira was again linked just before the start of this season when Everton were looking to replace Carlo Ancelotti. even claimed that he wanted the job, but the Toffees went with Benitez instead.

Yokohama F.Marinos v Shanghai SIPG - AFC Champions League Group H
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Should the Toffees appoint the Portuguese tactician?

Of all the names linked with the Everton job at the moment, Pereira seems the most interesting.

The 53-year-old, labelled as ‘‘ by ex-Southampton defender Jose Fonte, has over a decade’s experience as a manager. He has won eight trophies as well, including three league titles.

A manager of Pereira’s experience could just be what Everton need right now. He can come in and stabilise the club until the end of the season, before implementing his own ideas and building a side capable of getting back into the top-eight of the league table.

The report claims that Pereira is just an option being considered by Everton now. However, don’t be surprised if that interest becomes a lot more serious in the coming days as he is a quality manager and is arguably the club’s most experienced target at the moment.

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