Duncan Ferguson appointed Everton caretaker boss as search goes on for Benitez replacement including Rooney and Lampard

DUNCAN FERGUSON has been appointed caretaker manager of Everton.

The club confirmed the Scot will oversee the Toffees' upcoming matches after the sacking of Rafael Benitez.

Benitez was dismissed following the 2-1 defeat to lowly Norwich on Saturday with the Spaniard overseeing just five wins in 19 Premier League games.

Ferguson takes over as caretaker boss for a second time having also been given the reigns in December 2019.

The former Everton striker won one of his four games in charge - a 3-1 win over Chelsea.

Ferguson also rejected an opportunity to join Real Madrid in a coaching capacity in the summer - former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti was keen to take Ferguson with him to the Spanish capital.

Meanwhile, the Everton hierarchy has started the search for a permanent manager.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has been offered the role but the Belgian FA could block the Spaniard's return to Goodison Park.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are also amongst the favourites to take over.

Both managers are reportedly set to be interviewed with Everton believed to have drawn up a four-man shortlist.

Rooney has won a number of plaudits for his work at crisis club Derby County - he has the Rams 23rd in the Championship but has been hit by a points deduction and a transfer embargo.

Lampard, meanwhile, has been without a job since leaving Chelsea in December 2020 - he reportedly applied for the Aston Villa job before Steven Gerrard was appointed.

⚽ Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals