Sean Dyche is set to be named Everton’s new manager, succeeding sacked Frank Lampard.
Dyche and former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa were the two main suitors after holding talks with the Everton hierarchy.
Bielsa was initially seen as owner Farhad Moshiri’s preferred choice, but the former Burnley boss is now in pole position.
The Toffees want their new manager in place before the weekend.
Bielsa, 67, expressed reservations about his mid-season takeover and whether the team would match his high-intensity and physically demanding style.
There were also doubts about the expensive package his appointment would require.
The talks did not bring any resolutionleaving Dyche in the lead, although it remains to be seen what agreement will be reached over the length of the contract, with the 51-year-old likely not just wanting a short-term deal.
Everton will be next in action on February 4, when they host Premier League leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park.
Dyche also impressed Everton and the manager sacked by Burnley now looks certain to be given the task of salvaging their troubled season.
Lampard was dismissed with the Toffees 19th in the Premier League table after picking up just 15 points from 20 games.
In a decade at Burnley, Dyche guided the Clarets to two promotions from the Championship and two finishes in the first half of the Premier League.
Dyche also helped Burnley secure their first European qualification in 51 years after leading them to seventh place in the top flight in 2017-18.
Moshiri will make his seventh managerial appointment since joining the club in February 2016.
