Guillem Balague delivers huge YouTube update on Everton manager development
By Richard Parks
Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca has rejected an approach from Everton because he is holding out to become the new Arsenal manager, according to Guillem Balague.
Fonseca has been linked with replacing Sam Allardyce at Goodison Park as the Merseysiders search for another new boss who can achieve the ambitions of mega-rich owner Farhad Moshiri.
The Portugese 45-year-old has guided Shakhtar to the verge of a second straight league title and also steered them to the last 16 of this season's Champions League.
“It’s something that has been observed by Premier League clubs, including Everton," Balague claimed on his YouTube channel.
“Everton approached him and he said 'no' to Everton. Why? Because he is thinking of Arsenal. He has been told Arsenal are interested in him.”
Allardyce was appointed last November on an 18-month contract but it has been widely reported that majority shareholder Moshiri is on the hunt for a new manager.
The Mirror claim the Moshiri is preparing to rip up Allardyce’s £115,000-a-week deal in the coming weeks.
Football Insider verdict:
Allardyce has comfortably guided Everton to safety – they now have 48 points and leapfrogged Leicester at the weekend, but supporters have not warmed to him. The team’s functional playing style is a world away from want fans want – that was evident yet again in the 2-0 win at Huddersfield – and it appears that the club’s hierarchy feel the same way following the huge investment in the squad in recent years. Moshiri is ambitious and willing to put his money where his mouth is. There was always the sense that Allardyce was seen as a necessary evil to stave off any thoughts of relegation, but a younger manager with bright ideas and a glowing reputation in the European game is high on the agenda for the Merseysiders. Fonseca has made a big impact at Shakhtar, both domestically and in Europe, and is renowned for developing players on the coaching ground.