It’s all gone Per shaped

EVERTON have been left reeling after one of the top picks to be their next manager withdrew from the running.

Farhad Moshiri’s preferred target Vitor Pereira had spoken to the club to explore the possibility of replacing Marco Silva.

But Pereira (inset) has been offered an improved contract by his club Shanghai

SIPG and has committed to the new deal.

Moshiri had been impressed by the former Porto manager and was ready to make a formal offer, but the 51 year old said he is committed to remaining in China.

“It’s always an honour and I am utterly grateful to be considered on a list by a club that I have so much respect for,” said Pereira.

“At this point I am still the coach of SIPG, a club close to my heart in a country that is growing immensely in football.

“It’s a league I love and yes, for sure, I would love to consider an opportunity in the future.”

Pereira’s decision to withdraw from the running means that Duncan Ferguson looks likely to remain in caretaker charge for Sunday’s visit to Old Trafford.

Former boss David Moyes is still in the running for the job, along with Ralf Rangnick, Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim and former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus.