'No change' in Everton's managerial search, says David Unsworth

Everton interim boss David Unsworth, who has confirmed there has been "no change" in the club's hunt for a new manager, is determined to enjoy every second of his temporary tenure at Goodison Park, which is showing no signs of ending soon.

Unsworth was installed as interim boss at Goodison Park in the wake of Ronald Koeman's dismissal in October and is still very much ensconced in the hotseat as the search for the Dutchman's successor drags on into a fifth week.

The former Everton and West Ham United full-back has made no secret of his desire to be appointed as permanent manager on Merseyside, but majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has set his sights on Watford boss Marco Silva, who is tempted by the prospect of succeeding Koeman.

A whole of host of names have been linked with taking over at Goodison Park, with Louis van Gaal the latest to reject the possibility of him assuming control at Everton. The former Manchester United boss has no interest in following in his compatriot Koeman's footsteps, though he is open to returning to England to coach a top six club.

An imminent appointment of Silva or indeed any new manager does not appear imminent, and Unsworth, who is constant contact with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, is prepared to direct the first-team until someone tells him otherwise.

"No, no change as far as I've been told," Unsworth said in his press conference. "We just continue to the next game and we do that as passionately as we can.

"I haven't had time to stop and think, I believe in the way I want to play and like to train. I see we're producing and the players are running better than they have all season, according to statistics. It's my job to manage the team, I'm enjoying it and I will continue to enjoy it for as long as it lasts."

Unsworth may not be in charge of the Everton senior squad next week, but director of football Steve Walsh and the rest of the Toffees' hierarchy are seeking his opinion over who they should be targeting during the January transfer window.

Everton spent close to £150m in the summer transfer window but are in desperate need of reinforcements at both ends of the pitch, and Unsworth has revealed he is in constant dialogue with the much-scrutinised Walsh regarding potential new signings.

"January is crucial," Unsworth said. "Conversations have taken place over recruitment have taken place and they will continue with me, Steve and the board. I'm in communication with every department, that won't change.

"I've had conversations with Steve and the recruitment department and they will continue everyday."