Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are part of a four-man shortlist set to be interviewed for the vacant manager’s position at Everton.
Everton are assessing candidates following the decision to sack Rafael Benitez on Sunday, the Spaniard dismissed after a run of one win in 13 games that leaves the Toffees six points above the Premier League’s relegation places.
Rooney has emerged as an early frontrunner for the position following his creditable work at Derby County and the Telegraph are reporting that the former England captain is part of a four-man shortlist alongside former international teammate Lampard.
Everton would need to make an official approach for Rooney given he is contracted to Derby, who were hit with a 21-point deduction in the Championship this season for entering administration and historical financial breaches.
Lampard’s situation is simpler given the former Chelsea manager is out of work at present, having been without a club since being sacked at Stamford Bridge in January 2021.
The 43-year-old won plaudits for his integration of several academy youngsters into the side at Chelsea, but was dismissed after failing to show tangible signs of improvement despite significant backing from the board.
Lampard and Rooney are joined on the shortlist by two further candidates, after Everton saw an approach to re-appoint former manager Roberto Martinez fail. The Spaniard is currently in charge of the Belgian national side and the Royal Belgian Football Association rejected the Toffees’ advances.
