Carlo Ancelotti is Everton's first choice to be their new manager with the Toffees set to intensify their attempts to secure a deal for the Italian, Eurasia Diary reports citing BBC.

However, reports that the 60-year-old was on Merseyside on Monday to hold talks were wide of the mark.

Ancelotti was sacked by Napoli after taking them into the Champions League knockout stages.

A statement from Everton said the club had "held meetings with a number of candidates".

"We can confirm that thus far no contract offer has been made and no candidate has chosen to withdraw from the process," added the statement.

"While the club is keen to confirm a new permanent manager as soon as possible, the only important duty is that the right appointment is made.

"While our process continues, Duncan Ferguson will remain as caretaker manager and will take charge of the side for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester City."

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri sees three-time Champions League winner Ancelotti as a big name to underline his ambitions.

Everton will now move to set up further face-to-face discussions in a bid to persuade the Italian, who won the Premier League and FA Cup Double at Chelsea in 2010, to make a swift return to football on Merseyside.