LONDON, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Premier League strugglers Everton have confirmed former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard as the long-term replacement for Rafa Benitez as head coach.
The news means a return to coaching for Lampard, who was sacked by Chelsea just over a year ago.
The 43-year-old, who also coached Derby County after ending his illustrious playing career, has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal and has the task of steering the Liverpool-based outfit away clear of danger, after a disastrous first half of the season under Benitez has left them with just 19 points from their first 20 games -- four more than Newcastle United, who occupy the last relegation position with 15 points.
The club has also agreed a deal with Manchester United to sign Dutch midfielder Donny van der Beek, who has been a virtual outcast since his move to Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2020, playing less than 600 minutes of Premier League football in that time.
The agreement will see Everton pay all of the Dutchman's wages, but there is no option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign when Manchester United will appoint a new coach to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick. ■
