Is Frank Lampard to Everton back on after Vitor Pereira backlash?

Just when it looked like Everton were on the cusp of naming Vitor Pereira as their new manager, a furious fan reaction could well change things in the club's next manager search.

It’s fair to say that supporters haven’t exactly been shy in airing their views on the Portuguese coach, who has plenty of silverware on his CV, but has never managed in Europe’s top-five leagues.

On Wednesday morning Pereira was as short as 1/6 for the Toffees job, but now his odds have started to lengthen - currently evens - following a report from the Mail’s Sami Mokbel who states that the former Porto boss is considering pulling out of the running due to fan protests.

In truth, the last thing Everton should do right now is appoint a manager who doesn’t have the backing of their frustrated fanbase, who are reeling from the controversial appointment of Rafa Benitez; a manager that was never wanted and who endured a nightmare six months in the job.

If Pereira does withdraw his application, it could well leave the door open to former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard who was out at 5/1 this morning but has now moved into the odds-on favourite.

Yesterday (Tuesday) marked exactly a year since Lampard left Chelsea. He’s been linked with a plethora of posts since then and at one point appeared close to becoming the manager of Norwich, only to withdraw from the running. Dean Smith was subsequently appointed.

The 43-year-old has been in the frame for the Everton post since Benitez’s sacking just over a week ago. While he’s evidently not been the No.1 choice (Roberto Martinez) or even the No.2 choice (Vitor Pereira) it’s surely a job he’d grasp with both hands as he bids to return to management.

Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney is 16/1, Niko Kovac 20/1, alongside caretaker Duncan Ferguson.

After 20 games, Everton are currently dangling down in 16th just four points above the relegation zone. As recently as October they were way out at 150/1 to be relegated from the Premier League for the first time in their history, odds which has been slashed to just 9/2 following a turgid run of form which has seen them register one win from their last 14 league games, losing 10 times in the process.