EVERTON LAND FRANK

Lampard to be new Goodison boss

Frank Lampard was last night set to be formally offered the Everton head coach’s job as the club’s arduous managerial search draws to a close.

as Sportsmail reported on Wednesday, Lampard (right) had emerged as a lead contender for the post after the Goodison club rode back on their plan to appoint Vitor pereira due to a supporter backlash.

and following a final round of discussions with all candidates — including pereira and duncan Ferguson — Everton majority shareholder Farhad moshiri is preparing to appoint Lampard.

Lampard, 43, is waiting to be formally offered the position but he was informed of the club’s intention to press ahead with his appointment last night.

assuming everything goes according to plan, all that is left

to conclude are the formalities ahead of his move. Should he accept, which appears likely, his appointment should be concluded swiftly. His first game in charge is likely to be Saturday’s FA Cup tie at home to Brentford. The former England star has been out of work since leaving Chelsea last January. Everton will now turn their attentions to getting player reinforcements over the line to boost the club’s battle against relegation before Monday’s transfer deadline. Lampard will have a role in the process. He will arrive at Goodison without long-term assistant boss Jody Morris, however. After working together at Derby and Chelsea, the pair decided last year to go their separate ways. It remains to be seen if Ferguson is kept on as part of Everton’s backroom staff. The Scot, who is popular among the players, has remained in caretaker charge since Rafa Benitez’s sacking and wanted the top job for himself. Former Everton star Wayne Rooney said yesterday he had declined the offer of an interview and will stay at Championship club Derby. Another former player, Tim Cahill, has been assisting the club’s board over a range of issues over the past few weeks. He is an option for an executive role back at Goodison Park.