Everton Fires Coach Rafael Benitez After Woeful Season Start

Rafael Benitez leaves Everton having won just once in the Premier League since September; Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard among names on shortlist to take over.

Sky Sports News understands that Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are two of the names in consideration to replace Benitez. Also on the list are former manager Roberto Martinez, Brighton manager Graham Potter, Rudi Garcia, and Duncan Ferguson until the end of the season.

Former Liverpool manager Benitez was appointed Everton boss last summer but the Spaniard has failed to win over the Goodison Park faithful.

Everton have lost nine of their past 13 league games, including a 4-1 home defeat by Merseyside rivals Liverpool and a 5-2 home defeat against relegation strugglers Watford.

“An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course,” Everton said.