Lampard Given Permission By Derby To Discuss Chelsea Job

By Max Wise

The managerial vacancy at Chelsea is close to being filled after Sky Bet Championship side, Derby County, granted manager Frank Lampard the chance to speak to the Europa League holders regarding the role.

Chelsea are without a manager following Maurizio Sarri’s decision to return to Italy with Juventus after just a season in England.

Sarri led Chelsea to third place in the league and also made the finals of the Carabao Cup and the Europa League; losing the former on penalties to Manchester City and winner the latter 4-1 against Arsenal.

Lampard cut his managerial teeth at Derby County last season and impressed in the role after guiding them to the Championship play-off final, where they missed out on promotion to the Premier League following a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.

Lampard’s Derby contract still has two years to run, meaning Chelsea will have to fork out £4m in compensation to acquire the services of their former midfielder.

A Derby statement said: "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.

"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."

Lampard spent 13 years as a player at Chelsea after joining from West Ham United in 2001 for £11m and is the club’s all-time top scorer with 211 goals from 648 appearances.

Lampard won 11 major trophies in his Chelsea career including captaining the side to Champions League and Europa League glories in the absence of John Terry, who missed both finals due to suspension and injury respectively.