Frank Lampard is on the verge of becoming Everton’s new manager, emerging as the board’s preferred choice for the job after a day of interviews in London.

After a difficult search for a replacement for the sacked Rafa Benitez, Everton’s majority owner Farhad Moshiri has settled on Lampard ahead of former Porto coach Vitor Pereira.

The Athletic understands Lampard is likely to be followed in by Chelsea coach Anthony Barry, but there is no agreement with Chelsea for Barry yet.

SOC

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic Opens up on Chelsea Struggles, Mental Battle

It is understood Jody Morris, Lampard's assistant manager at Chelsea and Derby, is unlikely to resume his partnership at Goodison Park. There is also thought to be uncertainty over caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson's role in the new coaching staff.

Lampard was interviewed for the vacancy last week and then a second interview on Friday, along with Pereira and caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson.

The Merseyside club have been searching for a replacement for Benitez since sacking the Spaniard after Everton's 2-1 defeat to Norwich.

Former striker Wayne Rooney, now in charge of Derby, said he had turned down the opportunity to be interviewed for the job on Friday.

Everton assistant Ferguson took over first-team duties since Benitez’s departure and presided over their 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa at the weekend.