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Chelsea are working to make Frank Lampard their new manager after being granted permission to talk to their former midfielder by current club Derby.<\/p>\nChelsea are working to make Frank Lampard their new manager after being granted permission to talk to their former midfielder by current club Derby.<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge for some time with speculation dating back to before Maurizio Sarri\u2019s departure for Serie A champions Juventus last month.<\/p>\n
A formal approach has now been made with the Rams \u2013 who were beaten by Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final \u2013 having given Blues chiefs the chance to sell their vision to the former England international.<\/p>\n
A statement on Derby\u2019s official website side: \u201cDerby 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith pre-season fast approaching for both clubs, it is hoped this will allow Chelsea to swiftly conclude their discussions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe club will make no further comment until it is appropriate to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chelsea are looking for the 12th manager of owner Roman Abramovich\u2019s tenure following Sarri\u2019s exit just 12 months into a three-year deal.<\/p>\n
The Italian led the club to Europa League glory and a third-place Premier League finish.<\/p>\n
Lampard, who joined the club in a \u00a311million switch from West Ham in 2001, is revered by fans who saw him establish himself as the Blues\u2019 record goalscorer during a playing stint which amounted to 648 appearances.<\/p>\n
His stay brought success in the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League a year later, as well as three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.<\/p>\n
Should talks conclude successfully, Lampard will lead the club into the Champions League next season, although he will also have to cope with a FIFA-imposed two-window transfer ban should they fail in their bid to have it overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.<\/p>\n
Derby would be due compensation if their manager was prized from their grasp, although that would be offset by the sum Juventus paid to acquire Sarri\u2019s services.<\/p>\n