Jose Mourinho under consideration to become next Everton manager but happy at Roma

Jose Mourinho is happy at Roma despite interest from Everton, who consider him a candidate to take over from Rafa Benitez.

An official approach has yet to be made to Roma by Everton but owner Farhad Moshiri is contemplating the prospect of bringing the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss to Goodison Park.

However, Sky Sports News understands that Mourinho wants to stay in the Italian capital and remains committed to Roma, where he is only six months into a three-year contract.

Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney remain strong possibilities for the position as the wide-ranging search for Rafa Benitez’s replacement continues.

Lampard, who has not been in a job since being sacked by Chelsea last January, is expected to be interviewed for the job.

Roma see Mourinho as crucial to their future progress and will not let him leave the club.

Another new name being considered by Everton is former Porto and Fenerbahce manager Vitor Pereira, who was in the running for the job before Carlo Ancelotti was appointed.

While Derby boss Rooney is understood to be happy and focused at Pride Park, but would find it difficult to turn Everton down considering his history and association with the club.

Other names on the shortlist include Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez and Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked by Tottenham earlier this season.

Former Everton boss Martinez is high on the shortlist and would be keen to return to Goodison Park, but a deal is made difficult by the Belgium FA who do not want to let the Spaniard leave before the 2022 World Cup.

Duncan Ferguson was appointed caretaker manager on Tuesday following a training ground visit by chairman Bill Kenwright. As the former striker took training for the first time, Kenwright addressed the players and staff ahead of a crucial game on Saturday at home to Aston Villa.

Everton sacked Benitez after just six-and-a-half months in charge following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Norwich.