Everton will hold further talks with Frank Lampard as the Chelsea legend emerges as a lead candidate to replace Rafa Benitez.
As reported, Frank Lampard has already held conversations with Goodison chiefs about the prospect of becoming the club’s new head coach.
These discussions will accelerate over the next 24 hours as Everton decides who they want to take over from sacked Benitez.
No appointment is imminent. But if talks go well with Lampard the former England start could find himself in pole position to land the job ahead of Vitor Pereira.
Sources claim the Toffees want someone in place before the weekend particularly given the transfer window closes on Monday night.
Pereira has emerged as Everton’s No 1 choice to take the head coach vacancy, the former Porto boss arriving in England earlier this week to effectively seal his appointment.
However, protests from supporters against his appointment have put Pereira’s job hopes in jeopardy. Having spoken to Pereira, the Portuguese boss was saddened by the backlash against the club’s plans to name him as Benitez’s replacement causing the 52-year-old coach to consider withdrawing from the race altogether.
But having emerged as the lead contender to replace Benitez, former Porto coach Pereira’s chances of securing a dream job in the PL are now in the balance. The uncertainty has opened the door for Lampard to overtake Pereira as the leading candidate.
It is understood that Lampard has strong support from sections of the Everton board with CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale said to be among those pushing the Chelsea legend’s claims.