Frank Lampard: Chelsea given permission to open talks with Derby County boss to become next manager

Premier League club given green light to offer their former midfielder a path back to Stamford Bridge as Maurizio Sarri’s replacement

Derby County have confirmed that they have given permission to Chelsea to speak to Frank Lampard over replacing Maurizio Sarri as the Blues’ next manager.

Talks between the two clubs have progressed after Derby attempted to tie Lampard down to a new contract at Pride Park, though while that offer remains on the table for the former Chelsea midfielder, a return to his former club now appears to be a formality.

The Championship club missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season after losing the play-off final in May to Aston Villa, and the club issued a statement at midday on Tuesday to confirm they have given Chelsea the green light to make Lampard a formal offer to take him back to Stamford Bridge.

“Derby County Football Club can confirm that they have granted permission for Chelsea Football Club to speak to Frank Lampard about the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge,” the statement read.

“With pre-season fast approaching for both clubs it is hoped this will allow Chelsea to swiftly conclude their discussions.

“The club will make no further comment until it is appropriate to do so.”

The 41-year-old took over at Derby in what was his first management job at the end of May last year, signing a three-year contract to replace Gary Rowett. The Rams went on to reach the end-of-season play-offs, beating Leeds United in the semi-finals to gain revenge over opposite number Marcelo Bielsa after the ‘Spygate scandal’ erupted between them at the start of 2019.

However, Derby came up short in losing the final to Villa in a 2-1 defeat, consigning the club to a 12th consecutive season in the Championship.

But it appears that Lampard will still be offered a route back in to the Premier League, with talks between him and Chelsea expected to be a formality after the club made him their No 1 target to replace the departed Sarri, who left after just one season at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard is set to return to Chelsea as manager (PA)

Lampard made 648 appearances in total during a 13-year career at Chelsea, helping the Blues to win three Premier League titles, four FA Cup finals, two League Cups and the famous Champions League triumph in 2012, along with the Europa League win the following season.