Everton's hierarchy are tonight continuing to discuss the potential appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager.
The ECHO understands that no official approach has been made to Derby County to speak to Rooney, who is on the Blues' shortlist along with Frank Lampard to candidates to replace Rafa Benitez.
Everton are expected to formally ask to speak with Rooney after a move for Roberto Martinez stalled earlier this week.
The Belgium FA said they would resist letting the Catalan leave or do both jobs at the same time.
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Lampard is a free agent, having been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea nearly a year ago, and he recently interviewed for the Aston Villa job.
Duncan Ferguson is also being considered by the club and will be given another chance to audition for the job on a permanent basis, having been named as caretaker manager.
Big Dunc will take charge of Saturday's game with Villa, at Goodison, and will be assisted by Leighton Baines, John Ebbrell and Alan Kelly.
Everton have said Ferguson will be in caretaker charge for the "upcoming games" and that an announcement on a permanent appointment would be made in "due course".
The Blues had been performing a "strategic review" of the club's football operations and are yet to indicate if a new director of football will be appointment, following the departure of Marcel Brands in December.
