Everton want Vitor Pereira as Marco Silva's replacement

Pereira is understood to be part of a four-man shortlist that Everton have drawn up to find Silva's replacement, with former boss David Moyes also included,

Everton want Shanghai SIPG manager Vitor Pereira to replace Marco Silva at Goodison Park, update News understands.

The club sacked Marco Silva on Thursday after their 5-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby left them 18th in the Premier League.

It is understood that Pereira is on Everton's four-man shortlist, which also includes former boss David Moyes, to replace Silva

Pereira is currently managing in China, having finished third in the Chinese Super League as manager of Shanghai SIPG, and it understood he is willing to consider an offer from Everton.

The Portuguese has also managed in Turkey with Fenerbahce and in Greece with Olympiakos, as well as a stint with Porto.

He was also considered by the Toffees as David Moyes' replacement, before the club settled on Roberto Martinez in 2013.

The 51-year-old is currently one of the highest-paid coaches in the world and was recently offered the job of managing the Chinese national team.

It is understood he is currently considering a new contract offer from Shanghai, which will guarantee he earns £30m a year.

Duncan Ferguson is set to take temporary charge of the first team ahead of Saturday's game against Chelsea, with Everton saying "the club aims to confirm a new permanent manager as swiftly as possible".

Ahead of his first media conference on Friday afternoon, Ferguson told update  News: "It's an honour for me to be taking the role. I'm proud to be asked and hopefully we can give the fans something to smile about again."

A number of candidates are being considered to take over, including former Toffees boss Moyes.

The Scot, who previously managed Everton from 2002-2013, has been out of work since leaving West Ham in the summer of 2018.

Everton face a daunting run of fixtures over the festive period - hosting Chelsea on Saturday and also facing Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City in their next six league games, before travelling to Anfield again to play Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.