Frank Lampard emerges as strong contender for Everton job as fans stage protest against Farhad Moshiri appointing former Porto boss Vitor Pereira

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

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

But the news sparked an angry reaction from Everton fans and a group of them staged a protest outside Liverpool’s iconic Liver Building – which Moshiri co-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 former Chelsea boss instead.

It is now understood that Lampard is indeed seriously considered to succeed Benitez as Everton manager.

Benitez was dismissed 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 longtime assistant manager Duncan Ferguson took over on an interim basis, but things got off to a bad start with a 1-0 loss to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.

Supporters used the game to criticize the club’s ownership group, with chairman Bill Kenwright being singled out by a plane flying over Goodison Park and banners on the ground demanding his departure.

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

Moshiri is coming under increasing pressure after watching his heavy investment since taking over Everton in 2016 provide very little return, with the club being criticized for their lack of leadership.

It has been widely claimed that Moshiri was behind the transfer of former Liverpool manager Benitez and pushed the deal forward despite opposition from board members.

He appears to have fired the same divisive shot with Pereira after turning down an approach for Roberto Martinez last week with the Spaniard keen to lead Belgium to the 2022 World Cup.

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

He appeared 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 being sacked by Chelsea a year ago after 18 months at the helm.

He is ready to return to running Goodison Park if the job is offered to him.