Man Utd legend one of the favourites to replace Lampard at Everton as early frontrunner named

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has been installed as one of the bookmakers' favourites to replace Frank Lampard as Everton manager.

Lampard was sacked by Goodison Park chiefs on Monday afternoon, as per multiple reports, although the club are yet to officially confirm the news.

The Toffees are 19th in the Premier League table. They are currently two points off safety, and currently face playing in the second tier for the first time since the 1953/54 season.

The former Chelsea midfielder's final game in charge is set to be the 2-0 defeat against West Ham on Saturday, extending a run of eight Premier League games without a victory.

Toffees majority owner Farhad Moshiri attended his first game since 2021 at the London Stadium amid growing supporter discontent towards the club's board, but told Sky Sports that it was 'not my decision' when asked whether Everton would part company with Lampard.

Everton next manager: Dyche, Rooney among favourites to take over

As per odds from Sky Bet, United legend Rooney is one of the leading contenders to replace Lampard at Goodison Park.

Rooney had two spells at Everton as a player, although it is unclear whether he would be willing to leave his post at MLS side DC United.

He turned down an interview with the Toffees last January prior to Lampard's appointment, although did cite his ongoing work at Derby as the reason why he did not want to change clubs.

But he is a boyhood Everton fan and, regardless of their current situation, may decide now is the time to take the role should he be offered it.

Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche (9/4) currently leads the way in the odds, with ex-Everton forward and assistant manager Duncan Ferguson (7/2) behind him.

Rooney is the only name in the top four currently employed, with Marcelo Bielsa (5/1) the third favourite to take over. Current Everton coach Leighton Baines (12/1) may also be a candidate, whilst a Toffees return for current West Ham boss David Moyes is priced up at 8/1.

Here are the leading contenders to become the next Everton manager (odds correct at the time of writing and via Sky Bet):

• Sean Dyche (9/4)
• Duncan Ferguson (7/2)
• Marcelo Bielsa (5/1)
• Wayne Rooney (6/1)
• David Moyes (8/1)
• Nuno Espirito Santo (9/1)
• Leighton Baines (12/1)
• Thomas Frank (12/1)