Everton owners' reason for rejecting Jose Mourinho as David Moyes set for emotional return
Everton have sacked Sean Dyche and former Toffees boss David Moyes is their top target to replace him, with Jose Mourinho not in contention for a Premier League return
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorJose Mourinho is not in the frame to become Everton's new manager following the sacking of Sean Dyche.
Everton's new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), made the decision to part ways with Dyche less than a month after buying the club from Farhad Moshiri. The Toffees currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, and have five games without a win.
Despite suggestions Mourinho could be set for a return to England to replace Dyche, he has never been considered as an option. Mourinho is currently in charge of Turkish side Fenerbahce, having joined the club over the summer after he was sacked by Roma.
Roma are also owned by TFG and Mourinho notably ended the club's 11-year trophy drought by winning the 2022 Europa Conference League. However, he was axed in 2024 after a poor start to his third season in charge, and TFG have no desire to work with him again.
Former Everton boss David Moyes has emerged as the top target to replace Dyche instead and the 61-year-old is immediately available, having been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.
Talks are ongoing between the two parties about a return to Goodison Park, and will step up on Friday. Under-18s boss Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman have taken interim charge of Everton in the meantime.
Speaking at his final press conference in charge, Dyche was quizzed about his future and admitted: "It should be [under scrutiny]. At the end of the day, if you are a business of this size, succession planning surely should be part of their diligence.
"I have no problem with that. It should be ongoing at any football club and a part of any 'normal' business outside football. I never really concern myself with that - but have got to win games. We have not won enough this season.
"[I need to] make sure the team is operating in the right way and please everyone all of the time. That is the job, we haven't done that enough and it comes down to me."
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