Marcelo Bielsa holds talks to replace Frank Lampard as Everton manager with Leeds icon in line for Premier League return

MARCELO BIELSA is a shock candidate to replace axed Frank Lampard as Everton’s EIGHTH boss in less than seven years.

Yet crisis–hit Goodison chiefs Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright are torn over who to bring in to save the club from a first relegation since 1951.

Lamps was axed at around 2.30pm on Monday — but it took Everton almost SIX HOURS to confirm his exit.

Bielsa, caught up in a spygate row with Lampard four years ago, could ironically now replace him.

Back in January 2019, Argentine Bielsa — then Leeds boss — sent a member of his staff to watch rivals Derby train.

The Rams were managed by a furious Lampard and Bielsa held his hands up over the spying storm.

Veteran Bielsa, 67, is a front runner and has held talks about the job, according to .

While former Everton stars Wayne Rooney, now manager of DC United, and Duncan Ferguson are also on the list.

As is ex-Toffees boss David Moyes, whose West Ham side beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday to seal Lamps’ Goodison fate.

But it is understood that chairman Kenwright is not a fan of bookies’ favourite Sean Dyche, who is out of work since being sacked by Burnley last April.

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Moshiri and the board want a quick appointment so they can bring in new signings before the transfer window closes.

But next up they face Prem leaders Arsenal on February 4, followed by Liverpool nine days later, and risk starting the new regime with two defeats.

Paul Tait and U21s manager Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed.

A club statement read last night: “Frank and  his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout.

“But recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken.  

“The club has started the process to secure a new manager.”

Bielsa, axed by Leeds 11 months ago after ending the club’s 16-year exile from the Prem, is open to the idea of a return to England.

The appointment of the Argentinian, who took the Whites up on a shoestring budget, would indicate Everton are preparing for the worst with relegation.

Under Moshiri the club have lost £372million over the last three years and are expected to show negative figures of a further £80m in their next report.

Relegation would see the departure of the squad’s biggest names  — including England No 1 Jordan Pickford.

Winger Anthony Gordon could join Newcastle this month for £35m while midfielder Amadou Onana is a Chelsea target.

Moshiri, who must factor in an extra £260m to finish the construction of their new £750m Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, would also be forced to sell defender Ben Godfrey.

Midfielder Alex Iwobi and star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could leave too to raise desperately-needed funds.