EVERTON have all but decided to abandon their fruitless search for a European coach and appear to have come up with a domestic shortlist, of three: Middlesbrough's Bryan Rob son, Leeds United's George Graham and Martin O'Neill of Leicester City.

The Everton chairman, Peter Johnson, has spent the best part of two months trying to convince the former England manager, Bobby Robson, that he should leave Barcelona this summer in order to finish an illustrious career in the northwest.

Johnson's dogged pursuit of Robson (64) is, however, now almost certainly at an end, and with his other two leading targets - Juventus' Marcello Lippi and the former Ajax coach, Louis van Gaal - not interested in overseeing the renaissance of a club fallen on hard times, a quick decision is essential if only to placate those who are considering renewing their season tickets.

Johnson's problem is, actually, of his own making, for within 24 hours of Royle's unexpected departure in late March, he pledged to find, and then employ, a "world-class coach".

Whilst discredited to some extent by allegations of bung-taking and his dismissal by Arsenal, Graham does fit that particular bill, although yesterday he bullishly insisted he was to remain in West Yorkshire.

Middlesbrough's Robson is now a leading contender, having initially been lined up to work alongside his namesake, Bobby.

O'Neill has yet to bind himself to Leicester by way of a long-term contract and is respected within the Everton boardroom for transforming the fortunes of an unfashionable club.

Amongst the outsiders for a post which will carry a handsome salary is the former Liverpool manager, Graeme Souness, who parted company with Southampton last weekend.

. Nottingham Forest striker Jason Lee has agreed personal terms with Watford and will join the second division side when the clubs agree a fee.