Frank Lampard ‘signs Everton contract’ as Chelsea legend is spotted with agents ahead of return to management

FRANK LAMPARD is inching closer to being officially unveiled as Everton manager, after the Chelsea hero has reportedly ‘signed his contract’ to be the next Toffees boss.

Lampard has been spotted alongside his agents Leon Angel and Frank Trimboli, as reported by the Telegraph.

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Lampard has reportedly ‘signed his contract’ to be the next Everton boss[/caption]

And the 43-year-old is said to have put pen-to-paper on Sunday to take over at Goodison Park from the axed Rafa Benitez.

It’s claimed he intends to bring Joe Edwards and Anthony Barry with him as part of his backroom staff, but not Jody Morris, his number two from Chelsea and Derby.

Barry was born in Liverpool and spent time with Everton as a trainee during his playing days.

Stamford Bridge legend Lampard has been out of management since being sacked by the Blues last January.

Lampard impressed Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri in his second interview and should be in charge in time for next Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Brentford.

That second interview was on Friday, with Lamps being offered the role over the weekend.

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Vitor Pereira had been the favourite to take over, but Everton fans were strongly in favour of Lampard being appointed over the Portuguese coach.

Caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson was also interviewed for the role, while Derby manager Wayne Rooney snubbed the chance to manage his boyhood club.

Lampard takes over with the club languishing just four points above the Premier league relegation zone, way down in 16th place.

He’s set to be joined at the club by Manchester United flop Donny van de Beek, who has reportedly opted to join Everton on loan in favour of Crystal Palace.

Reports say the Toffees came to an agreement with United on Saturday and have offered to pay the player’s wages in full until the end of the season.

Van De Beek then made the call on his future on Sunday after weighing up an approach from Palace.

And a move for Lampard’s former player Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also been touted, although Chelsea are thought to be playing hardball over letting the 26-year-old leave.

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