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Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Pereira is a candidate to replace Marco Silva at Everton

Everton are continuing to assess candidates to succeed the sacked Marco Silva on a permanent basis despite caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson's flying start - with Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Pereira high on their list.

Ferguson galvanised Everton on and off the pitch as they moved out of the Premier League relegation zone thanks to an outstanding performance in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday.

It was a result that gave Everton's hierarchy vital breathing space to assess their options in replacing Silva, who was sacked after 18 months in charge following the 5-2 Merseyside derby defeat by Liverpool at Anfield.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri was delighted with how Ferguson had such an instant impact on their fortunes but it is still their intention to appoint a permanent manager as soon as possible.

There was informal contact to gauge the extent of sacked ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery's interest, while Bournemouth's Eddie Howe is another manager with admirers in the Everton boardroom.

Howe, however, insists he is committed to the Cherries external-link and is unlikely to leave mid-season - while Spaniard Marcelino is another out-of-work coach looking for a route back into football after he was sacked by Valencia earlier this season.

Former Everton manager David Moyes has also been discussed, although his chances appear to be receding.

Pereira, 51, led Porto to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles after stepping up from his previous role as assistant manager under Andre Villas-Boas following his departure to Tottenham in June, 2011.

His immediate impact at the Portuguese club impressed Everton and he was interviewed for the manager's job in 2013 before Roberto Martinez was appointed as successor to Moyes.

After a brief stint in charge of Saudi side Al-Ahli, he helped Greek side Olympiacos win a league and cup double in 2015, but unsuccessful spells followed in charge of Fenerbahce and 1860 Munich.

In December 2017, Pereira succeeded Villas-Boas again, this time at Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG, and led them to their first league title in his first season in charge.

Everton want the new man in quickly, but equally there is no sense of emergency either after Ferguson's spectacular start.

The Toffees' next match is away to Manchester United on Sunday.