The Derby County is said to be the man identified by Chelsea as the next Blues boss.
Chelsea want Frank Lampard to spend another year ‘learning the ropes’ as manager of Derby County, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claims the Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, and his board have already decided that Lampard is the man to succeed Maurizio Sarri as boss.
But it adds their preference is for the former Blues midfielder to spend one more season at Derby ‘to ensure he is totally equipped with the skills needed’ for the job at Stamford Bridge.
Despite continued speculation, Chelsea have told Sarri they will not sack him this summer, according to The Sun.
But the newspaper claims the Europa League finalists would not stand in the way should Juventus ‘cough up’ £5 million in compensation.
It adds that Lampard is also said to see spending another year at Derby as the ‘ideal scenario’, but is ready to back himself to succeed whenever a formal offer is made – which could yet be this summer if Sarri departs.
The 40-year-old has led Derby to the Championship play-off final in his first season at Pride Park – a feat he can top at Wembley on Monday.
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