Everton have named Duncan Ferguson as caretaker boss following the sacking of Rafa Benitez.

The Toffees legend previously did a similar role at Goodison Park and will again step in with the club stating he will take charge of "upcoming games".

Everton face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday before taking on Brentford in the FA Cup.

Following that they travel to Newcastle United, who themselves are also struggling.

A club statement read: “The Blues legend took charge of training at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday morning as the squad began its preparations for the visit of Aston Villa to Goodison Park on Saturday (12.30pm GMT).”

Ferguson will be assisted by John Ebbrell, Leighton Baines and goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.

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Rafa Benitez was sacked at the weekend (
Image:
Reuters)

The Scot previously led the club during the 2019/20 season when Marco Silva was axed on Merseyside.

Everton drew two of his three games whilst beating Chelsea 3-1 at Goodison Park.

The club have said an announcement on a new permanent manager will be made “in due course”.

Benitez, who only arrived in the summer, was sacked on Saturday following the defeat at Norwich City.

The Toffees currently sit 16th following a poor run of form.

Frank Lampard is among the leading candidates for the role and is set to be interviewed by the club's top brass, reports the Telegraph.

He has been out of a job since leaving Chelsea a year ago but could get an opportunity on Merseyside.

Moshiri is also an admirer of Jose Mourinho, and it is thought contact was made with the Roma manager, but it is understood he suggested he is happy in Italy, and is not interested in coming back to the Premier League at present.

Former player Wayne Rooney, who had two stints with the Toffees, is impressing at Derby County with limited resources and too is under consideration.

Frank Lampard is being considered for the vacancy (
Image:
Getty Images)

There are a further two candidates under consideration by the Everton hierarchy.

The Merseysiders have already tried and failed to bring Roberto Martinez back to Goodison Park.

The Spaniard, who led the club for three years, is now in charge at Belgium but no agreement could be struck with the country's chiefs regarding a deal that would also see him coach until the World Cup this year.

Benitez said following his departure: "The financial situation and then the injuries that followed made things even harder.

"I am convinced that we would have been better once the injured players were back and with the arrival of the new signings.

"The road to success isn't easy and sadly, nowadays in football there is a search for immediate results and there is always less and less patience; unfortunately circumstances have determined the results and it won't be possible to continue this project."

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