Vitor Pereira impressed when interviewed in 2013 after David Moyes' departure

The Toffees now want him to replace Marco Silva who was sacked last week

He heads a shortlist including David Moyes and Mauricio Pochettino

But he is currently in charge of Shanghai SIPG who want to retain his services

Victory over Chelsea, inspired by Duncan Ferguson, has bought Everton time

Vitor Pereira is the leading candidate to be Everton's new manager as the club step up their search for Marco Silva's successor.

Major shareholder Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright, the director of football Marcel Brands and chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale spoke over the weekend after the restorative 3-1 win against Chelsea.

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That triumph, inspired by caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, has bought Everton time but the hierarchy are eager to make progress.

Vitor Pereira is the leading candidate to replace Marco Silva as Everton's permanent boss

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Pereira, who impressed the club when he was interviewed in 2013 after David Moyes' departure, is in charge at Shanghai SIPG and the Chinese side want to keep him.

The 51-year-old Portuguese manager heads a shortlist including Moyes, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Eddie Howe, although the club recognises that landing either Pochettino or Ancelotti will not be easy. Two others in the frame are Ralf Rangnick, who was considered after Ronald Koeman's sacking in 2017, and Leonardo Jardim, who is currently in charge of Monaco. Ferguson will continue to hold the fort until a new man is appointed.

'I am giving the players a couple of days off,' said Ferguson. 'As it stands, I will just keep on coming in and keep doing what we are doing until someone tells us different.'

Pereira is in charge at Shanghai SIPG and the Chinese side want to keep him as manager