Everton reportedly intend to give Frank Lampard time to boost the club's fortunes in the Premier League.
The Toffees have endured somewhat of a mixed four months in the top flight, frequently trading winless streaks with prolonged unbeaten runs.
However, it is a period of six defeats in eight matches which has led to the Merseyside outfit heading into the World Cup break on a considerable low note.
Although Everton have never been significantly clear of the relegation zone at any point this campaign, they were once in the mid-table spots, something which has changed drastically in recent weeks.
On the back of losing 3-0 away at relegation rivals Bournemouth last weekend, Lampard's side now sit in 17th position, one point above the bottom three.
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According to a report earlier this week, the club's hierarchy have held conversations about Lampard's long-term future and already identified a potential alternative.
Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has allegedly been under consideration, the Argentine's stock still high despite his dismissal from Elland Road in February.
With Bournemouth another team who may make a managerial change over the coming weeks, there is a scenario where Everton's board would have to be ruthless regarding any final call with Lampard if they were set on trying to tempt the 67-year-old to Goodison Park.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Everton have settled on retaining the services of Lampard for the foreseeable future.
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Despite guiding Everton to just three wins from 15 Premier League fixtures this campaign, the Englishman has credit in the bank having kept the club in the top flight during 2021-22.
Furthermore, numerous of their summer arrivals highlighted Lampard's presence as one of the reasons for moving to Everton, a factor which may come into the Toffees' chiefs thinking even if results on the pitch do not improve.
Everton to not resume league action until Boxing Day when they play host to bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers, who sit four points adrift of them in the standings.
That encounter is followed by meetings with Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion, before Southampton are the visitors to Goodison Park on January 14.
Darren Plant
