Wayne Rooney ‘is on Everton’s shortlist if they decide to sack Frank Lampard’

Wayne Rooney could reportedly be given a second chance to become Everton manager should the Toffees sack Frank Lampard.

The former Everton player revealed in January last year that he turned down a chance to replace Rafael Benitez in the dugout while he managed Derby County.

It has now been reported by the Sun that Rooney is on owner Farhad Moshiri’s shortlist should they sack Lampard, the DC United manager’s former England team-mate following his recent poor form.

Former Everton player Wayne Rooney could return to the club if Frank Lampard is sacked

The Toffees are in the relegation zone with just 15 points from their 18 Premier League games this season.

Tuesday’s grueling 4-1 home defeat by Brighton put the pressure on Lampard, whose side have lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions.

As previously reported, Lampard has been granted a reprieve as he is set to take charge of Friday’s FA Cup game against Manchester United – although his long-term future remains in doubt.

Moshiri’s list of potential candidates should he sack Lampard also includes Sean Dyche and former Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

Lampard’s position is increasingly under threat following Everton’s 4-1 defeat by Brighton

Dyche has been unemployed since being sacked by Burnley in April, while Martinez – who recently gave up the Belgium job – was at Goodison Park from June 2013 to May 2016.

Rooney is the surprising name on the shortlist, especially after turning down his former side last year.

In a press conference while in Derby, Rooney admitted: “They approached my agent and asked me to interview for the job, which I turned down.

DC United boss Rooney turned down a chance to be interviewed for the Everton job last year

“I think I’m going to be a Premier League manager and I’m ready for that and if that’s with Everton in the future that would be great.

“It was a very difficult decision but I have a job here at Derby that is important to me.”

Rooney stepped down as Derby manager in June after spending most of the 2021/22 season in administration before joining DC United with whom he spent a brief stint as a player.