Frank Lampard celebrates birthday on a boat… with Chelsea owner Abramovich and his yacht nearby in French Riviera

FRANK LAMPARD celebrated his 41st birthday on a boat - which happened to be near Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and his yacht on the French Riviera.

Lampard’s wife Christine posted a snap on Instagram of the Derby boss as they holiday in the south of France.

The pair are away in St Tropez, with Lampard heavily linked with the vacant Chelsea job following Maurizio Sarri's move to Juventus.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has his £380million superyacht Eclipse moored in the French Riviera resort.

The two men will hold talks which are expected see former Chelsea midfielder Lampard confirmed as Sarri’s successor next week.

He has told some of his Derby players that he will go if Abramovich comes up with the right offer.

Lampard played for the Russian billionaire for 13 years and left as the club’s all-time record goalscorer. He is the fans’ overwhelming choice to become the new boss.

RAMS RAID

Chelsea will pay £4million compensation to Championship side Derby for the two years left on his Pride Park contract.

Abramovich has yet to make an official approach to the Rams but relations between the clubs are relaxed.

Lampard will not let his emotional connections get the better of him during talks and wants assurances he will get time to make the job work.