Everton denies appointing Ancelotti as manager

Everton have released a statement denying that they have appointed a new manager after rumours surfaced on Monday suggesting Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti was set to become the boss at Goodison Park.

Sky Sports reported that the former Napoli trainer had agreed a deal in principle after talks and that he was expected to be anointed Toffees boss prior to Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter final against Leicester City - with Duncan Ferguson set to take charge in that match as his final commitment as interim leader.

But the Premier League club took steps to address the rumours on Monday evening, using their social media channels to push out a message rejecting the idea they had decided on a permanent coach.

The statement also pointedly said that no candidate has pulled out of the running to be the new Everton boss, with reports last week suggesting that Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Periera had gone cold on the Toffees gig.

"In the 11 days since Marco Silva left the club, the Everton board has been working hard to recruit a new permanent manager - and has held meetings with a number of candidates," Everton's statement read.

"We can confirm that thus far no contract offer has been made and no candidate has chosen to withdraw from the process."