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    Everton sack Frank Lampard after less than year in charge as clear favourite emerges to replace Chelsea legend

    FRANK LAMPARD has been sacked by Everton after less than a year in charge.The former Chelsea boss replaced Rafa Benitez last January but has failed to stop the rot at Goodison Park.
    Frank Lampard has been sacked by Everton after less than a year in chargeCredit: Rex
    Defeat to West Ham on Saturday proved to be the final straw for the Toffees brassCredit: Getty
    Lampard leaves Everton rock bottom of the Premier League and two points from safetyCredit: Getty
    And the disappointing 2-0 defeat to relegation rivals 3-2 defeat to relegation rivals West Ham on Saturday proved to be the last straw.
    The Telegraph is reporting that majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri ‘held talks held talks with the club’s board over Lampard’s future’, where the decision was made to swing the ace.
    Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche and ex-Leeds gaffer Marcelo Bielsa are the two favourites to succeed the Chelsea legend.
    Everton legend Wayne Rooney and former chief David Moyes, currently at West Ham, are also in the running.
    Defeat to the Hammers has left the Toffees rock bottom of the Premier League table – although they’re two points away from safety.
    After the match, a dejected Lampard said of his future: “Those things are not my choice, it is my job to work, focus and keep my head down.
    “I have confidence in how I want to coach. There’s difficult conditions that I am aware of.
    “I just do my job and talk about what I can affect, and that’s the players trying to get the right results.”
    Most read in FootballEVERTON NEXT MANAGERBetfair odds

    Sean Dyche – 5/4
    Marcelo Bielsa – 3/1
    David Moyes – 7/2
    Wayne Rooney – 13/2
    Nuno Espirito Santo – 10/1
    Sam Allardyce – 10/1
    Duncan Ferguson – 16/1
    Graham Potter – 16/1
    Carlos Corberan – 16/1
    Ange Postecoglou – 20/1
    Brendan Rodgers – 20/1
    Mauricio Pochettino – 25/1
    Lucien Favre – 25/1

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    It has also been reported that Lampard has been involved in a bust-up with some of his own players.
    Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been forced to train on his own as a result.
    Lampard’s tenure on Merseyside began brightly as they romped to a 4-1 FA Cup win over Brentford.
    That was followed by a 3-1 loss at Newcastle but they bounced back with a 3-0 home win over Leeds.
    But three consecutive Premier League defeats followed, with an FA Cup win over Boreham Wood sandwiched in between, before they were hammered 5-0 at Tottenham in the top-flight.
    A loss to Wolves at Goodison stretched their losing run in the Prem to five matches before a 1-0 triumph over Newcastle on home turf provided some brief respite.
    Despite his best efforts, Lampard has failed to unstick the struggling Toffees.
    Defeat at the London Stadium has left the Merseysiders with a record of just one win in their last 12 league matches.
    Everton registered a mere 15 points out of a possible 60 this season.
    The Toffees face the daunting prospect of welcoming league leaders Arsenal to Goodison a fortnight on Saturday.
    And the following week, they’ll travel across Stanley Park to face bitter rivals Liverpool in what will no doubt be another fiery affair.

    The writing was seemingly on the wall for Lampard when he got the dreaded public vote of confidence from owner Farhad Moshiri earlier this month.
    The British-Iranian businessman said: “I have faith in the work being done not only by our manager, but our director of football [Kevin Thelwell] and our board of directors.
    “That faith is based on my knowledge of the depth and quality of work being done both at Finch Farm [Everton’s training complex] and the Royal Liver Building [Everton’s administrative HQ) – and of the plan that is in place.
    “I am confident that we have skilled, experienced and focused professionals at all levels of the club.
    “We are all agreed that our current league position must and will improve.”
    He added: “In almost seven years since my arrival at the club, I have significantly increased my investment and our new stadium has become reality.
    Everton owner Farhad Moshiri gave Lampard the dreaded public vote of confidence earlier this monthCredit: Getty
    “We regularly review our performance and initiate change where we feel that the club falls short of standard.
    “This has meant that we have seen turnover in managers, directors of football and several board members.
    “But always as we have striven to achieve success.
    “Whilst, in virtually every instance, change has been supported and encouraged by fans, stability must be the key to progression.”
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    But Moshiri was coy when asked about giving Lampard the boot as he left the London Stadium.
    When asked if Lampard’s time had come to an end, he said “It’s not my decision.” More

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    Relegation-threatened Everton plot transfer for Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech with boss Lampard under huge pressure

    RELEGATION-THREATENED Everton are keen on signing Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech, according to reports.The Toffees are sat joint-bottom of the Premier League after 20 games played.
    Everton are keen on Chelsea’s ZiyechCredit: Getty
    Lampard was the man behind Ziyech’s move to ChelseaCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
    Frank Lampard’s men are on a nine-game streak without a win, with their latest defeat coming on Saturday against relegation rivals West Ham.
    And in a bid to boost Everton’s chances of survival, under pressure boss Lampard is plotting a reunion with Ziyech, the Daily Mail reports.
    Lampard signed Ziyech from Ajax while he was Chelsea boss.
    Ziyech hasn’t hit the heights expected at Stamford Bridge and is playing a bit-part role under Graham Potter this season.
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    The Morocco star, 29, has played 15 times this season across all competitions, registering just one assist.
    Everton would prefer a loan move for the tricky winger.
    However, it is unclear whether Ziyech would trade Champions League knockout football for a relegation scrap.
    Italian club Roma are also in talks with Ziyech about a move to Serie A, as SunSport exclusively revealed.
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    Ziyech played a full 90 minutes on Saturday against Liverpool.
    The draw has Potter’s men sat 10th in the Premier League table after 20 games played. More

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    Everton trying to find £15m transfer funds for Iliman Ndiaye with Sheffield United star target to help Prem strugglers

    EVERTON are trying to find £15million to land Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye.The Senegal ace is a scoring hit in the Championship with ten goals and seven assists from 28 games.
    Iliman Ndiaye has been in fine form for Sheffield United this seasonCredit: PA
    His displays have caught the eye of Premier League strugglers EvertonCredit: REUTERS
    He also took his speed and skills to the Qatar World Cup in the latest part of his fairytale career.
    Now Toffees chiefs want Ndiaye to join their attack for the relegation fight and are putting together the funds to buy him.
    Ndiaye, 22, is central to the Blades’ bid to get back to the top flight but his contract is up after next season.
    Boss Paul Heckingbottom will be anxious as Ndiaye would be a huge loss and there are doubts about how much of the sale he would get to spend.
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    Blades are now under a transfer embargo for failing to keep up with old payments, so a sale would go into sorting that out.
    Everton would be a large lure for Ndiaye with a Prem contract to offer to a player who was with Boreham Wood for three seasons.
    Owner Farhad Moshiri is reacting to fan fury over their recent struggles.
    Ndiaye would be a good addition if he can take his form to the top level with the Toffees.
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    Everton are also closing in on a deal for Arnaut Danjuma, 25, at Villarreal.
    They are willing to pay the Spanish club a huge loan fee of £2.5m, which could double if the former Bournemouth star plays enough games.
    Danjuma will net £100,000 a week and a deal for the Dutchman could see Anthony Gordon being sold to Newcastle or even Tottenham.
    It’s unclear who will be at the Everton helm come the end of the month as manager Frank Lampard is under a huge amount of pressure.
    Defeat to West Ham on Saturday sent the Merseysiders to the bottom of the table and extended their torrid run to just one win in their last 12 league matches.
    Frank Lampard’s future at Goodison Park is up in the airCredit: REX
    A defiant Lampard said of his future: “Those things are not my choice.
    “It is my job to work, focus and keep my head down.
    “I have confidence in how I want to coach. There’s difficult conditions that I am aware of.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I just do my job and talk about what I can affect.
    “And that’s the players trying to get the right results.” More

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    Everton set to snap up Arnaut Danjuma on loan transfer from Villarreal with Frank Lampard desperate for reinforcements

    EVERTON are set to sign Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma on loan until the end of the season.The goal-shy Toffees went into the January transfer window desperate to improve their forward line.
    Arnaur Danjuma is set to join EvertonCredit: Getty
    Frank Lampard’s men have scored just 15 goals in 19 Prem outings this term, with only Wolves having netted fewer.
    This dismal return has seen them sink to 19th in the table, with Lampard’s job hanging by a thread.
    Despite their predicament, they have beaten off competition for Danjuma’s signature.
    The 25-year-old flew to England for talks with a number of teams this week.
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    Nottingham Forest were keen on the Dutch international, as were former club Bournemouth.
    But Danjuma has opted to move to Merseyside.
    The loan transfer will contain no option or obligation to be made permanent at the end of the season.
    He will undergo medical tests this weekend ahead of completing the switch.
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    Danjuma joined Villarreal from Bournemouth for around £22million in 2021.
    He has bagged 22 goals in 51 appearances for the Yellow Submarine, also getting a taste of Champions League football last term.
    Having started the season with an injury, however, he has been more out of favour this time around – starting just six LaLiga games.
    Newcastle are set to enquire regarding Anthony Gordon’s availability.
    Everton were determined to keep the 21-year-old last summer, fending off bids by Chelsea and Tottenham.
    But with the youngster having fallen out of favour of late, their stance may now have changed.
    The Toffees were demanding a fee in excess of £50m for Gordon when Chelsea and Spurs came calling.
    But he has started just one of Everton’s last six Premier League games.
    Anthony Gordon could leave Goodison Park this monthCredit: Getty More

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    Frank Lampard set to be sacked by Everton if Premier League strugglers lose and put in poor performance at West Ham

    FRANK LAMPARD fears today’s game against West Ham is “make or break” for his future as Everton boss.Sources inside the struggling Merseyside club say a defeat – and a poor performance at the London Stadium – is likely to see the ex-England and Chelsea legend axed.
    Frank lampard fears he could be sacked if Everton lose to West HamCredit: Getty
    And morale among the players is thought to have been rocked by the lack of any signings made in January.
    Our source said: “The game against West Ham is make or break.
    “The two recent performances against Southampton, and particularly against Brighton, mean Lampard is on borrowed time. A third performance like that and it will most likely be curtains for him.
    “There’s a really low feeling around the club at the moment as it’s obvious they need reinforcements, but there’s hardly been any activity.
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    “There is a feeling that perhaps the club is waiting to see if they will be bringing in a new manager before the end of January, and that’s why Lampard hasn’t been given the chance to freshen things up.
    “There is also the financial fair play situation but it’s a mess.”
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    New West Ham striker Danny Ings is one player Lampard apparently wanted.
    But Everton were only able to offer the former Aston Villa striker a loan deal despite Ings being interested in a move due to the fact he was attracted by the idea of a move to the North West.
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    One source said: “That summed it all up. Ings would have been tailor-made for Everton and apparently he was keen to join.
    “And even with the Liverpool connection fans would have welcomed him with open arms. He would have got goals that could have helped the club move up the table.
    “Now he’s going to be lining up for a relegation rival.”
    We told last week how Everton are bracing themselves for the exit of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of the season.
    The England hitman is wanted by Newcastle United – who may even have moved in for him in January if it wasn’t for the player’s injury problems.
    A source said: “Calvert-Lewin is at right at the top of the list of targets Newcastle have. They were interested in him last summer, and that interest remains.
    “They think he could be a striker that could help take them to the next level both in the league, and in Europe.
    “The only reason they didn’t move in January is because Dominic is struggling with injuries.
    “Due to where Newcastle are in their season, riding high in the league and in a league cup semi final, they need additions who can hit the ground running.”
    Read More on The Sun
    The Sun understands Frank Lampard has told Everton’s board he needs to keep his trio of top stars – Jordan Pickford, Anthony Gordon and Calvert-Lewin – if they are to have any hope of surviving against relegation.
    But all three will leave if Everton do go down. More

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    Aston Villa and Everton in Moussa Dembele transfer battle with Lyon’s outcast striker available on cut-price deal

    ASTON VILLA and Everton are reportedly battling it out for the signature of Lyon’s Moussa Dembele. According to Foot Mercato the two Premier League sides are hoping they can attract the Frenchman after seeing him fall out of favour across the Channel.
    Moussa Dembele has made 159 appearances for Lyon, scoring 69 goals, but has found himself out of the team
    Dembele, 26, has only managed two goals in the Ligue 1 this season so far and has not been able to live up to his previous heights.
    The former Celtic man – who has long been linked with Manchester United – is available for a cut-price free with his contract set to expire in the summer.
    Everton are struggling for goals this season and have had long-standing injury issues with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who himself has only scored once this season in the league.
    Dembele would offer a different attacking option for Frank Lampard’s side who are languishing in the relegation zone.
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    Meanwhile, Aston Villa are in talks to sell Danny Ings to West Ham for around £15million.
    Unai Emery’s side did secure the signing of Colombian teen Jhon Duran this week.
    But Dembele would represent a ready-made replacement for Ings as the Villans look to continue to progress under the former Villarreal boss.
    Villa are rumoured to prefer a free transfer for the Lyon forward in the summer when is contract expires, but may have to change their opinion in light of Everton’s interest.
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    Lyon are said to be open to allowing Dembele to move away from the club in a transfer.
    The 26-year-old had a loan spell with Atletico Madrid in 2021, but failed to impress, making only seven appearances and failing to score.
    Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is currently the starting forward for Lyon, taking Dembele’s place, and has impressed on his return to the French outfit with 11 goals in 19 league appearances this season. More

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    Newcastle interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer with £35m Everton star on list of new striker targets

    NEWCASTLE are interested in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin – with Eddie Howe eyeing a £35million move.The Toffees striker has had a torrid season, scoring just once as he battles a number of niggling injuries.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to keep fit at Everton this seasonCredit: Getty
    Frank Lampard’s side – who are 19th in the Premier League – are struggling on and off the pitch amid a fan mutiny.
    And SunSport understands Everton are bracing themselves for bids for their star England striker.

    Newcastle want the 25-year-old this month but would be willing to wait until the summer if a deal can’t be reached.
    And a space in the squad for a striker could open up at St James’ Park with Chris Wood a target for Nottingham Forest.
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    A source said: “Calvert-Lewin is at right at the top of the list of targets Newcastle have.
    “They were interested in him last summer, and that interest remains.
    “They think he could be a striker that could help take them to the next level both in the league, and in Europe.”
    Calvert-Lewin has already missed nine games this season as he battles a knee injury.
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    However, he is back and trying to get Everton out of their on-field crisis as their season implodes.
    Meanwhile, Lampard is understood to have told the Toffees board he must keep his top players if they want to stay up.
    There is interest in Jordan Pickford and Anthony Gordon alongside Calvert-Lewin during this window.
    All three are expected to quit the club if they were to be relegated to the Championship.
    That moved a step closer on Saturday after a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton. More

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    The bizarre chain of events that could see David Moyes head back to Everton if West Ham LOSE to them at weekend

    DAVID MOYES could soon find himself back in the Everton dugout if a bizarre chain of events take place.The Scot is under growing pressure at West Ham following a torrid run of form – which has left them toiling in 18th place in the Premier League.
    David Moyes is under mounting pressure at West HamCredit: PA
    But the Scot could end up replace Frank Lampard as Toffees boss is he’s axedCredit: PA
    Moyes’ troops will welcome fellow strugglers Everton to the London Stadium on Saturday in a good old-fashioned relegation six-pointer.
    Defeat could bring about the end of his second reign as Hammers chief, although, ironically, it may pave the way for him to return to Goodison Park.
    That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim the West Ham brass are already weighing up potential replacements for the former Manchester United manager.
    Victory over the Hammers would ease the mounting pressure on Toffees’ boss Frank Lampard.
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    Although it could prove to be a double-edged sword as the availability of club legend Moyes could tempt the Everton hierarchy to give him the boot.
    It’s been claimed the potential axing of Moyes would make Lampard’s position as Toffees boss “vulnerable.”
    Lampard is indeed in a “vulnerable” position following a run of just one win in the club’s last 11 Premier League matches.
    But he was recently given a public vote of confidence by Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri.
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    The British-Iranian businessman said: “I have faith in the work being done not only by our manager, but our director of football [Kevin Thelwell] and our board of directors.
    “That faith is based on my knowledge of the depth and quality of work being done both at Finch Farm [Everton’s training complex] and the Royal Liver Building [Everton’s administrative HQ) – and of the plan that is in place.
    “I am confident that we have skilled, experienced and focused professionals at all levels of the club.
    “We are all agreed that our current league position must and will improve.”
    He added: “In almost seven years since my arrival at the club, I have significantly increased my investment and our new stadium has become reality.
    “We regularly review our performance and initiate change where we feel that the club falls short of standard.
    “This has meant that we have seen turnover in managers, directors of football and several board members, but always as we have striven to achieve success.
    “Whilst, in virtually every instance, change has been supported and encouraged by fans, stability must be the key to progression.” More