Frank Lampard appears set to become the new Everton manager.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Friday evening that the ex-Chelsea and England midfielder was ready to take the vacant position at Goodison, having impressed the Toffees hierarchy in interviews.
The Times followed up, claiming Lampard is now 'set to be become Everton manager'.
Lampard was one of three candidates in contention for the position, with the Blues conducting final interviews on Friday in London.
It would now appear Lampard has been selected ahead of Vitor Pereira and Duncan Ferguson to take over from Rafael Benitez, who was sacked 13 days ago.
LIVE UPDATES: Everton new manager LIVE - Frank Lampard 'set to become Everton manager'
Lampard, a decorated former midfielder for club and country, has previous managerial experience with Derby County - who he steered to the Championship playoff final - and Chelsea, the team for whom he is the all-time top scorer.
At Stamford Bridge he guided the team to fourth place in his maiden campaign in charge while working under a transfer embargo.
However, he was eventually sacked midway through his second term in charge.
Lampard oversaw a lavish recruitment drive in the summer of 2020, although he was eventually axed in January with the London club ninth in the top flight.
Thomas Tuchel took over and steered Chelsea to Champions League glory that same season.
Lampard will now be tasked with changing the fortunes of an Everton team that has been in woeful form in the Premier League.
Defeat against Aston Villa last weekend left the Toffees down in 16th position in the table, looking nervously over their shoulder at the likes of Norwich City, Watford, Newcastle United and Burnley.
Everton have won just once in the top flight since September - a stretch of 13 games - and after the FA Cup clash with Brentford at Goodison Park next weekend, Lampard's first Premier League game in charge looks set to be a vital one away at Newcastle United.
Lampard was one of the most successful English players of the modern era, having won the Champions League and four Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge.
