David Unsworth has turned down the chance to manage Oxford United.
Everton’s under-23 coach emerged as a target for the League One outfit in their efforts to appoint a permanent successor to Pep Clotet this month.
Unsworth caught the eye of the Kassam Stadium hierarchy after leading the Blues’ youth side to the Premier League 2 title last season.
Oxford made an official approach for the former defender on Friday, with Everton reluctantly giving permission for them to take place.
Talks were delayed until Tuesday in order for Unsworth and his squad to fully prepare for their clash with Arsenal’s u23s on Monday evening.
However the 44-year-old declined the chance to step into senior management, with Everton currently seven points behind Liverpool in the Premier League 2.
Unsworth took temporary charge of the first-team at Goodison Park for eight games last October in the wake of Ronald Koeman’s sacking.