Everton pushing to make manager decision 'by tomorrow' - report

Everton are pushing to make a decision on their new manager 'by tomorrow', with Frank Lampard emerging as the leading contender according to the Liverpool ECHO.

After fan protests outside Goodison Park against the potential appointment of Vitor Pereira, former Chelsea boss Lampard has now taken over as the front-runner.

Everton sacked Rafa Benitez just under two weeks ago following defeat to Norwich, which left the Toffees in a relegation scrap.

According to Liverpool ECHO, the Blues board want to make a decision 'by tomorrow' and they could even give the new boss a new midfield signing before Monday's transfer deadline.

Lampard has had a second interview and talks are continuing, with the club opting against giving Wayne Rooney the job during the middle of the season.

Huge

Finally, some progress.

It's been a long time coming with lots of twists and turns, but it finally seems as though the race is coming to an end.

Lampard certainly provides a gamble for the board considering his lack of experience at the top level, but he is bright and keen to get back into work following his recent spell with Chelsea.

He will come in and implement all his plans immediately, while trusting the youth players in the squad and demanding the respect of the senior players.

He will need everybody on board immediately if they are going to get out of the current rut and he will need to hit the ground running.

The Toffees are currently 16th in the Premier League, just four points above the relegation zone.

In other Everton news, Premier League club 'would appeal to' Everton star, bid expected in Jan - report