Frank Lampard emerges as serious contender for Everton job as fans stage protest

Frank Lampard is a live contender for the Everton job if Farhad Moshiri decides against appointing Vitor Pereira, talkSPORT understands.

Former Fenerbahce and Porto boss Pereira emerged as majority shareholder Moshiri's preferred choice over the weekend to succeed Rafa Benitez as the Toffees' manager.

But that news sparked an angry reaction from Everton fans and a group of them staged a protest outside Liverpool's iconic Liver Building – which Moshiri part- owns – on Tuesday night.

Graffiti was also spotted outside Goodison Park that read 'Pereira out, Lampard in', as some fans made it clear they wanted the ex-Chelsea boss instead.

Now it is understood that Lampard is indeed under serious consideration to succeed Benitez as Everton manager.

Benitez was relieved of his duties on January 16, with a 2-1 loss to Norwich ending his disastrous tenure and with Everton mired in a Premier League relegation battle.

Club legend and long-time assistant manager Duncan Ferguson has taken over on an interim basis, but things got off to a bad start with a 1-0 loss against Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa.

Supporters used the game to criticise the club's ownership group, with chairman Bill Kenwright singled out by a plane flown over Goodison Park and in-ground banners demanding his departure.

And a group of fans continued their protests on Tuesday evening as news emerged of talks with Pereira.

Moshiri is under increasing pressure having seen his heavy investment since taking over Everton in 2016 provide very little return, with the club criticised for a lack of direction.

It was widely claimed Moshiri was behind the move for ex-Liverpool manager Benitez, and pushed ahead with the deal despite opposition from board members.

He appears to have pulled the same divisive move with Pereira after having an approach for Roberto Martinez turned down last week with the Spaniard keen on leading Belgium at the 2022 World Cup.

Pereira has had a nomadic career that has spanned Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Turkey, Germany and China and has no previous experience of the Premier League.

He seemed all set for Everton after positive talks with Moshiri but talkSPORT understands a final decision has yet to be made.

Lampard is looking for a way back into management after his sacking by Chelsea a year ago following 18 months at the helm.

He is ready to return to management at Goodison Park if offered the job.