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BLUES RAM-BLOW

Chelsea drag feet over offering Lampard manager’s job as Derby plot new deal for boss

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CHELSEA are yet to make any contact with Derby about Frank Lampard as the Rams hold talks with him about a new deal, SunSport understands.

The Blues have identified Lampard as the man to replace Maurizio Sarri in the Stamford Bridge hot seat as the Italian is set for a return to Serie A with Juventus.

 Chelsea have not spoken to Derby about Frank Lampard
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Chelsea have not spoken to Derby about Frank LampardCredit: PA:Press Association

But the Championship side are determined to hold on to their rookie boss by opening talks to extend his stay at Pride Park.

Lampard,40, has only been a manager for a year and was 90 minutes away from leading Derby to the Premier League, but lost to Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final.

Rams chairman Mel Morris is resigned to losing Lampard at some point but wants him to lead their promotion challenge next season after coming so close in May.

And after an excellent first season in the dugout, the club decided Lampard will be rewarded with a new deal and have pressed ahead with talks despite any interest from the Premier League side.

Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia wants Lampard who spent 13 years in West London, to kick-off a new era at Stamford Bridge, with a team built around academy stars.

The Blues are under a transfer embargo and will not be able to spend the £150m they banked as Eden Hazard officially joined Real Madrid this week.

Club legend Lampard will be given the task of developing talent like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben Loftus-Cheek alongside Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori who spent last term with him on loan at Pride Park.

And when Chelsea finally enter talks with Derby, they will have to cough up £4million due to a clever Champions League clause agreed when Lampard took over last year.

Any club who will be playing Champions League football when they recruit the Rams coach will have to stump up the agreed fee.

Should Lampard make an emotional return to Stamford Bridge, he would be the first English manager since Glenn Hoddle 26 years ago to be at the helm.

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