As per widespread reports on Friday night, the Toffees have decided to appoint former Chelsea midfielder and manager Frank Lampard as their new head coach.
Reports from Friday night and Saturday morning confirm that the Englishman is Everton’s candidate of choice for the vacant managerial position. The ex-Chelsea man returns to management a year after his last job, which, as it happened, was at his former club. Lampard was relieved of his duties last January after a string of poor results left the Blues in ninth.
Everton interviewed Lampard and former Porto boss Vitor Pereira for the managerial job after sacking Rafael Benitez on January 16. Wayne Rooney confirmed the club approached him, as well, for the open position, but he chose to stay in his current role at Derby County instead.
Rooney’s rejection caused the club to limit the shortlist to Pereira and Lampard; it appeared that the former was closing in on the job at one point, but the prospect of his appointment was met with widespread protest from the Evertonian supporters, resulting in Everton reconsidering their approach.
The official confirmation of Lampard’s appointment will arrive soon, barring any last-minute hitches. The Englishman wants former assistant Anthony Barry – currently at Chelsea – in his coaching staff, but it remains unclear whether or not the Blues will release Barry from his present role
Reports suggest Lampard won’t be joined at Everton by his former number two, Jody Morris, while the future of interim manager Duncan Ferguson – who served as assistant to both Carlo Ancelotti and Benitez – is also in doubt.
A Chelsea reunion that could happen at Goodison Park is that of Lampard and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Daily Mail reports that the Toffees are keen to add him to their ranks ahead of Monday’s deadline day.
Everton are also back in the mix for Donny Van de Beek’s signature, albeit on loan.
The Manchester United midfielder seemed to be closing in on a temporary move to Crystal Palace, but The Athletic reports that the Toffees, too, are keen to bring him on board for the remainder of the season – after failing in their attempts to sign the player last summer. A busy few days await the Merseysiders as they look to salvage their rapidly dwindling season.
