Chelsea have been given permission to speak to Derby boss Frank Lampard about their vacant manager’s job.
Lampard, 41, spent 13 years as a Chelsea player and would replace Maurizio Sarri, who has joined Juventus after one season at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues would have to pay the Rams about £4m if they appoint Lampard.
Lampard embarked on his first campaign as a manager last season, leading the Rams to the Championship play-off final where they lost to Aston Villa.
The former England midfielder made 648 Chelsea appearances, winning 11 major trophies.
If he does take over, he will inherit a transfer embargo after Chelsea were given a two-window transfer ban by world governing body Fifa – a decision the club are appealing against at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The worst kept secret in football is finally getting the conclusion many Derby County fans have feared for a long time. Such has been the clamour around Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea, and the time it’s all taken, Rams fans will be pleased the circus is packing up and moving on.
That’s not to say they won’t be sad. It was an incredible season with some amazing memories. No-one at Elland Road will ever forget Derby’s second-half performance which earned them a place in the Championship play-off final.
And then there was the bounce. Whether by accident or design, Lampard endeared himself to the Derby faithful with his bouncing. It became tradition after every significant victory. The fans loved him for it.
This whirlwind relationship is coming to an end, but when the dust settles, Derby fans will remember a man who revitalised the club and ultimately moved on to the job of his dreams.
BBC
