SAM’S STILL WILLING TO TALK TO TOFFEES

FORMER England manager Sam Allardyce has reiterated his willingness to speak to Everton about their current vacancy but denied having already discussed the matter with major shareholder Farhad Moshiri.

Reports yesterday claimed Everton’s Iranian billionaire had already made contact with t he former Bolton, Sunderland and West Ham boss.

And, while Allardyce said he had not had talks with Moshiri, he was open to an approach.

Asked what the situation was with potential contact from Everton, Allardyce, who l ast week said he would “consider” taking a call from the Toffees, said: “Nothing, at the minute.

“It’s like everything else, if someone comes calling there is the opportunity to speak, there’s no doubt about that.”

When Allardyce, who is currently planning to attend a League Managers’ Association masterclass at St Andrews in Scotland this week, was asked whether any contact had been made by Moshiri he replied: “No. No. No.”

It has been suggested Everton were looking for Allardyce, who reportedly wants former Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare as his assistant, to sign a short-term deal until the end of the season.

However, it’s understood the club are looking for a longer-term solution as part of the ambitious project being put together by Moshiri.

Everton’s U/23 coach David Unsworth remains in temporary charge of the first team.