Ronald Koeman has appeared to rule himself out of the running to become the next Everton manager.
Koeman remains at the top of the shortlist by new Blues majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to replace Roberto Martinez, who was sacked yesterday following three years in the Goodison Park hot seat.
Recently departed Ajax manager Frank De Boer has made no secret of his desire to succeed Martinez, but Koeman, has batted away speculation that he may leave Southampton ahead of his current deal expiring next season.
When asked if he expected to stay at St Mary’s for a further year, he replied: “Yes.”
“I am manager of Southampton,” he added. “Everyone knows I have one year more on my contract.
“We will sit together, analyse this season and talk about the future
“That’s what the news is today.”
One of Koeman’s Premier League contemporaries also ruled himself out of the running today.
Mark Hughes has been touted for a potential return to his former club but the one-time Everton striker insists that he remains focus on his current role in charge of Stoke City.
He said: “I’m one of the more experienced managers in the Premier League so maybe it isn’t surprising to see my name up there.
“I’m more than happy here & looking forward to next season. We’ve a lot of good things going on & my job certainly isn’t finished.
“I feel sorry for Roberto Martinez, who is a really engaging guy. Unfortunately for him, they have decided to go in a different way.”