Sam Allardyce has denied that he has spoken with Everton, after sources close to him vehemently denied earlier reports that a deal was done.

Allardyce is known to be someone who Everton are very keen on, as they continue their search for Ronald Koeman’s replacement.

Burnley’s Sean Dyche has been talked about but I understand some amongst the Everton hierarchy are not keen, whilst interest in Watford’s Marco Silva and Huddersfield’s David Wagner were genuine – but both clubs made it clear they would not entertain losing their highly-rated boss midway through a season, in which they are both impressing.

With current caretaker David Unsworth looking increasingly unlikely to get the gig, this has brought Everton back to Allardyce – who representatives have had contact with The Toffees, but suggestions that the former England man has met with the club have been denied by him.

Sources close Allardyce told me reports of a deal with Everton were ‘wide of the mark and totally inaccurate’.

And the man himself has since denied them when asked if he had met Everton, he told TalkSport: “No, no, no – no talks.

“If somebody comes calling there is an opportunity to speak.”

Allardyce remains odds-on across the board, ahead of Dyche, Silva and Unsworth – PaddyPower are 1/7 on the ex-Bolton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace man.