Frank Lampard to be named new Everton manager on two-and-a-half-year deal

Lampard was sacked as Chelsea manager last January

Everton are set to confirm the appointment of Frank Lampard as the club's new manager following the recent sacking of Rafael Benitez, with the former Chelsea and Derby coach expected to join on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Lampard has been out of work for a year after being dismissed as Chelsea manager last January, leaving the Blues after 18 months in charge.

Portuguese Vitor Pereira and caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson also had their second interviews for the job, but the club decided to move for the 43-year-old. It is understood that Lampard will retain Ferguson at Goodison Park.

The ex-Chelsea and England midfielder replaces the recently-departed Benitez, who was sacked after winning just one of his last 13 games.

Benitez - a former Liverpool manager - lasted less than seven months at Goodison Park, with the team sitting 16th in the Premier League table, just six points above the relegation zone.

With previous reports suggesting that Pereira was the favourite for the vacant role, graffiti was plastered on Goodison Park opposing the move and read 'Pereira out, Lampard in'.

Toffees fans also held a protest at Goodison at the way the club is being run on Wednesday night (January 26).

Wayne Rooney was also in contention for the role but he reportedly turned down the chance to talk with the club as he wants to stay at Championship strugglers Derby.

Lampard guided Chelsea to fourth place and the FA Cup final in his first season in charge, but he was dismissed following a run of five defeats in eight games.

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