Vitor Pereira has ruled himself out of the running for the next Everton manager.
Pereira previously expressed an interest in the vacant Goodison Park hot seat in 2013, when Roberto Martinez was ultimately appointed David Moyes’ successor.
The former Porto and Olympiakos boss emerged as an early favourite to replace Marco Silva despite coaching in the Chinese Super League with Shanghai SIPG.
But Pereira, 51, has now discounted himself from the Blues’ list of candidates.
He said: “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.
“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.
“Currently I am not in a position to make any other commitments.
“I cannot decide now, I need time to think and plan my future by looking to all the options I have.
“It’s a league I love and, yes, for sure, I would consider an opportunity in the future.”
Everton had hoped to install Silva’s successor before Sunday’s trip to Manchester United but caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson will continue to take charge.