AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho “will not leave” the Serie A club amidst interest from Everton, according to reports.
The Toffees are searching for a new boss after they relieved Rafael Benitez of his duties on Sunday.
The Spaniard’s sacking came after a 2-1 loss to Norwich City at Carrow Road; the Merseyside club’s ninth Premier League defeat in 13 games.
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On Tuesday, former Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United boss Mourinho emerged as a managerial target for Everton.
Owner Farhad Moshiri is ‘thought to be an admirer’ of the legendary Portuguese manager.
However, according to Sky Sports, “Mourinho is happy at Roma” and “wants to stay in the Italian capital”. The 58-year-old is only six months into a three-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Furthermore, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Mourinho is “definitely staying and planning” for a future in Rome.
He wrote on Twitter: “Jose Mourinho will not leave AS Roma during the season. He’s definitely staying and planning for Roma future – Everton job not in his plans as things stand.”
José Mourinho will not leave AS Roma during the season. He’s definitely staying and planning for Roma future – Everton job not in his plans as things stand. 🔵❌ #EFC pic.twitter.com/CWNEY9f7Ec
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 18, 2022
Duncan Ferguson has been confirmed as Everton’s caretaker manager for their “upcoming games” while the club’s hierarchy search for a permanent boss.
Ferguson’s first match in charge will be against Aston Villa on Saturday. He will be supported in his caretaker role by John Ebbrell and Leighton Baines, along with goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.
Former Scotland and Everton striker Ferguson is set for a second spell as caretaker boss, having taken charge of three games during December 2019 following the dismissal of Marco Silva.
As well as Mourinho, former Toffees boss Roberto Martinez and ex-player Wayne Rooney have been linked with the vacant position.
Club legend Neville Southall has called for Everton to appoint Ferguson until the end of the season, however.
“Duncan is the only one I’d look at for the manager’s job,” Southall told the Liverpool Echo.
“He worked under a few Champions League winners now so something must have rubbed off on him from them.
“I’d give it him until the end of the season and if he does well then keep him there.”