Everton have officially confirmed the appointment of Frank Lampard as their new manager on Friday, just 3 days before the winter transfer window closes. Former Fenerbahce and Porto manager Vitor Pereira has also interviewed alongside current assistant manager Duncan Ferguson for the vacant managerial post. Former England captain and current Derby County manager Wayne Rooney recently revealed Everton’s approach for an interview which he rejected quickly.
Merseyside giants sacked Rafael Benitez just six months after his appointment after a Norwich defeat two weeks ago, who lost 10 out of 22 overall matches at Goodison Park. Everton’s struggles continue despite sacking Benitez with another home defeat against Aston Villa last Saturday. The Toffees now sit in 16th position in the Premier League table with just 19 points from the 20 matches, just 4 points safe to the relegation zone.
Vitor Pereira was a strong candidate for the managerial post at Goodison Park as club owner Farhad Moshiri favoured the Portuguese over other candidates. But these rumours didn’t fare well with the club’s passionate supporters who protested against the club appointing Pereira over Lampard. Some fans even pained Goodison Park gate with ‘Pereira Out Lampard In’ after their Aston Villa defeat at home in their latest match.
This was a major incident for the Toffees management who then forced to appoint Englan legend Frank Lampard. Everton first approached Jose Mourinho and Roberto Matinez but both rejected their offer to return to English Premier League. Then the club approached former youngster Wayne Rooney, who is currently heading Championship side Derby County, who are struggling in the relegation zone. But former Manchester United legend rejected this opportunity to return to Premier League as well.
“Everton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the vacant job, which I turned down,” “I believe that I will be a Premier League manager and I believe I am ready for that 100%, and if that is with Everton one day in the future that would be absolutely great. But I have got a job here to do at Derby County which is an important job to me.” – Wayne Rooney on Everton approach.
Lampard Demands Two Signings In Next Two Days At Everton:
The 43-year-old Chelsea legend was quick to dive into Everton’s transfer activity as the transfer window closes on Monday at midnight. Lampard has identified Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Manchester United flop, Donny van de Beek, as potential targets and has informed the Toffees to land his targets, according to different sources.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Lampard wants De Beek as his first signing at Everton and the club is working on this deal. Crystal Palace are in advanced negotiations over signing a Dutch midfielder on loan but Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is reluctant to offload the player. Chelsea are unlikely to sell Loftus-Cheek mid-season as Thomas Tuchel is keen on keeping all of his midfield players at Stamford Bridge in the hope of a title challenge this season.
Everton lost their key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure to injury in their latest loss to Aston Villa and have Fabian Delph and Tom Davies sidelined due to injuries. They did sign Aston Villa midfielder Anwar El Ghazi on loan but are now in the market for a new holding midfielder as they target a top-ten finish under new manager Frank Lampard.