Jose Mourinho will not become the next Everton manager, talkSPORT understands.
The Special One had emerged as a surprise frontrunner with bookmakers as it emerged that new owners – The Friedkin Group – had decided to replace Sean Dyche.
Dyche was shown the door on Thursday evening, hours before Everton’s FA Cup third round tie at home to Peterborough.
However, it is understood that Mourinho will not be renewing his relationship with his former employers, the Friedkins.
Just last year, Mourinho was handed his marching orders at Roma by co-owner Dan Friedkin.
Speaking after his exit, Mourinho lashed out at the man who now owns Everton, claiming he has ‘little knowledge’ of football.
talkSPORT has been told this unsavoury end to Mourinho’s reign at Roma categorically rules him out of the Everton job.
Earlier this week, Mourinho’s odds of becoming next Everton manager became as short as 8/11, sparking wild speculation.
Addressing the rumours on talkSPORT, ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan said: “Mourinho, for me, I’ve always been a defender of him. I’ve always wanted to appreciate the upsides of him rather than the downsides of him.
“For Everton right now, under the new ownership model, I think they need to be looking forward and building a club.
“I think the right decision would be to look elsewhere.
“Appointing Mourinho would certainly make a statement – although I’m not sure what statement it would be making.
“You’ve got one of the leading, most recognisable managers who once upon a time was arguably the best manager in world football.
“I think he’s still a compelling individual and will put eyes on the prize and will get the media at it and certain aspects of Everton at it and will probably bring his usual brand of disruption.
“That’s because he won’t be able to get what he wants, when he wants it and how he wants and Everton will struggle.
“I don’t think it’s the right appointment for them, or for Jose Mourinho.”
Dyche came under mounting pressure at Goodison Park, with Everton sitting 16th in the Premier League table, just a point above the relegation zone, and fans growing frustrated with the team’s style of play.
Ahead of Everton’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough tonight, the ex-Burnley manager admitted himself that the club’s owners should be looking for his replacement.
And TFG are indeed doing so as they confirmed his exit on Thursday, with former boss David Moyes and Thomas Frank among the names linked with the job.
Fenerbahce boss Mourinho, though, won’t be among those considered.
The 61-year-old was appointed head coach of the Turkish side last summer, who are currently second in the table, despite him recently taking aim at the officiating in the league.
There can be little doubt that the three-time Premier League champion would be keen on a return to English football.
In October, Mourinho admitted that he hoped to return to England at some point, saying: “I had three clubs in England, so four different periods I’ve coached in England, and I love it.
“And by the social point of view, I’ve been lucky enough to live in so many cities, but my family lives in London. London is home, so one day I have to be back, unless no one wants me.”
Meanwhile, Everton have placed Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman in caretaker charge.
A club statement read: “Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as Senior Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect.
“Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also left the Club.
“The process to appoint a new manager is under way and an update will be provided in due course.
“Under-18s Head Coach Leighton Baines and Club Captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis.”