Frank Lampard is set for face-to-face talks with Roman Abramovich early this week to iron out the details of his return to Chelsea as manager.
With Maurizio Sarri’s exit to Juventus now confirmed, Chelsea owner Abramovich will take a hands-on approach to appoint the first English manager of his 16 years at Stamford Bridge.
The Russian billionaire is expected to meet with Lampard in the coming days in a bid to finalise his appointment by the end of the week.
Derby will ask for £4million compensation in exchange for losing Lampard – although such a fee is not thought to be a problem for Chelsea and Abramovich.
Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer will ask for patience in his new role, given that he cannot sign players for two windows under the club’s transfer ban, and will be tasked with embedding academy players into the first team.
There are obvious concerns in the Chelsea hierarchy about Lampard’s lack of experience, having been a manager for just one season.
But his proven track record working with talented young players, as shown at Derby last season, is an attractive commodity given the transfer ban.
Petr Cech is set to return in a technical role, while Didier Drogba could return in some capacity. Lampard’s No 2 Jody Morris and coach Chris Jones would follow him from Derby.
On Monday, Derby chairman Mel Morris revealed Chelsea were yet to come to him with a direct offer to take Lampard.
Should a deal with Lampard not come to fruition, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has his admirers in the Blues’ boardroom but sources in Holland believe he will spend another year in Amsterdam, while former Juventus boss Max Allegri ruled himself out.
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo and Watford’s Javi Gracia were also linked with the job but both would be extremely difficult to get out of their respective clubs.
Other stories: PSG Willing to Let Brazilian Forward Neymar Leave.
