Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa was interested in taking the Everton job, but only in the summer after laying out his intentions during discussions with the club.
The 67-year-old Argentinian outlined that he needed several weeks to ensure the Toffees squad could adapt to his methods during his discussions with the club after arriving in London, meaning taking charge immediately proved difficult.
Bielsa also wanted to bring in eight backroom staff members and work with the under-21s and academy until the end of the season, according to The Times.