Report suggests how Derby’s Lampard move could still fall through

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Frank Lampard is reportedly in talks about taking over at Championship club Derby County.

Frank Lampard’s managerial career is about to begin.

Sky Sports have reported that the former Chelsea and Manchester City midfielder is in talks to take over at Championship club Derby County, who are looking to replace Gary Rowett after their former manager jumped ship for Stoke City.

39-year-old Lampard has confirmed that he is negotiating a move to Pride Park, where he would be assisted by Chelsea’s highly-rated U18 boss Jody Morris.

But, in the latest reports provided by the Mirror (30 May, page 51), the deal is not signed, sealed and delivered just yet. It is understood that Lampard wants assurances over the transfer budget and his control over recruitment, which could be a potential problem.

Owner Mel Morris, who is hardly known for taking a back seat in everyday matters at Derby, has already admitted that there will not be a bottomless pit of funds available in the off season to the club’s new manager.

According to the Mail, Derby have been told to cut costs from all departments, with the club understood to be losing £3 million a month and facing up to a £10 million Financial Fair Play bill.

And, after missing out on the Premier League thanks to a play-off defeat to Fulham, the Telegraph even stated that Derby could sell their top scorer Matej Vydra as Morris aims to drastically reduce the club’s wage bill.

It remains to be seen whether these issues put Lampard off.