LAMPARD TO BOSS EVERTON

FRANK LAMPARD is set to become the next manager of Everton. Lampard had emerged as a lead contender for the post on Thursday after the 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 are preparing to appoint Lampard. The former England star has been out of work since leaving Chelsea last January but is now set to replace Rafa Benitez. Everton will now turn their attentions to getting signings over the line to boost the club’s battle against relegation before Monday’s transfer deadline. Lampard, 43, will have a role in the process, but the club must move quickly and decisively given the lack of time. The news came after Wayne Rooney revealed he rejected the chance to have an interview for the Goodison Park job. Rooney is currently in charge of crisis-torn Championship side Derby and attracted interest from Everton after they sacked Benitez earlier this month. Despite Rooney’s emotional ties to the club where he made his debut aged 16, the former England captain said he had chosen not to pursue the opportunity. ‘They approached my agent and asked me to an interview for the job, which I turned down,’ he said. ‘I believe I will be a Premier League manager and that I’m ready, and if that’s with Everton in future that would be great. ‘It was a difficult decision but I’ve got a job here at Derby which is important to me.’ Rooney was named permanent manager at Derby in January 2020. He kept the club in the Championship on the final day of last season but they entered administration last September and have been docked 21 points.