Everton news: Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney to be interview after Martinez roadblock | Football | Sport
Everton will interview former England team-mates Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney for the vacant managerial position at Goodison Park, according to reports. The underperforming Toffees, who now sit 16th in the Premier League table, are stepping up their pursuit of a new manager after parting company with Rafael Benitez on Sunday following the 2-1 defeat at Norwich.
The Spaniard struggled to win over the fanbase from the get-go due to his Liverpool connections and has been on thin ice for several weeks due to his team’s performances but the embarrassing performance at Carrow Road proved to be a step too far.
Extraordinarily, Everton had set their sights on former boss Roberto Martinez, who was sacked by the club in 2016 after three years in charge.
However, Everton have encountered problems trying to free Martinez up from his current role in charge of the Belgium national side.
The Belgian FA were not prepared to comply during discussions with the Premier League club and also refused to allow Martinez to take on both jobs at once.
The former midfielder recently rejected Norwich before Dean Smith landed the role after his sacking at Aston Villa.
Opportunities have been few and far between though for Lampard since he left Stamford Bridge having already been overlooked by Everton, Crystal Palace, Wolves, Newcastle and Aston Villa, respectively.
He would now welcome a return to management after an extended break from the game.
As for Rooney, the Manchester United and Three Lions legend is currently trying to pull off mission impossible with Derby County in the Championship.
The Rams finally climbed off the bottom of the table following their 2-0 win over Sheffield United after being docked 21 points.
Rooney remains focussed on pulling off the great escape but he would reportedly accept the Everton hot-seat should he be offered the chance to return to Merseyside for the third time.
The 36-year-old spent eight years with the Toffees before he was sold to Manchester United in 2004.
He then returned to Goodison Park in 2017 for one season before heading across the Atlantic to join DC United.
Derby remain determined to keep Rooney but their problems away from the field and lack of stability could force their manager to consider an exit.
