Derby make last-ditch attempt to keep Frank Lampard from Chelsea by ‘offering £10m deal’
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DERBY have reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to prevent losing Frank Lampard to Chelsea.
The Rams boss, 41, is the bookies' favourite to replace Maurizio Sarri, who left after one season to return to Italy and take over at Juventus.
But with Lampard taking Derby to within 90 minutes of promotion back to the Premier League in his first season in charge, owner Mel Morris is determined to keep hold of him.
That is why - according to the - he has offered Lampard a bumper £10million contract to stay at Pride Park.
The offer is thought to be a four-year deal, worth £2.5m per year.
Morris said this week: "There's no change in the situation at present, except for the fact that Chelsea no longer have a manager.
"Of course, we have made it very clear to everyone, but most importantly to Frank, that we want to retain Frank for the long term.
"If Chelsea want to hire Frank then it is in their gift to make an offer in pursuit of that.
"In the meantime, we will continue to put our best foot forward to continue with our plans for the coming season and work with Frank for him to know how much he is wanted by everyone associated with the club."
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If Lampard does leave for a return to Stamford Bridge, Derby would receive £4m in compensation.
But that would be little consolation if they have lost an exciting young manager.
Steven Gerrard rejected Derby's advances while John Terry signed a new contract at Aston Villa this week.
Lampard has also told Derby's players he will leave Pride Park - if Roman Abramovich comes up with the right offer.
The pair were set for talks on board the owner's £380m yacht in St Tropez.
Frank and wife Christine are currently on holiday at the French Riviera resort, celebrating his birthday on Thursday.
Pals serenaded the Derby gaffer with 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' as he continues to mull over his decision.
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ESPN, meanwhile, believe Chelsea are confident Lampard will be unveiled as the new Blues' boss next week.
Lampard spent 13 years as a player for the club, winning 13 trophies.
He is their all-time top goalscorer with 211 goals in 638 appearances.
