A three-time Eredivisie winner with PSV Eindhoven, Phillip Cocu could reportedly be heading to the Championship with Derby County.
Derby County’s players are expecting to welcome Phillip Cocu to Pride Park as Frank Lampard edges ever closer to a dream return to Chelsea, according to The Guardian.
After one season in the East Midlands, 40-year-old Lampard is expected to be named as Chelsea’s new manager. And while Derby will be disappointed to lose the former England international after just one season which ended in a play-off final defeat to Aston Villa, the Championship giants are not waiting around as they scour the market for a replacement.
And The Guardian believes that Derby are close to coming to an agreement with Cocu. Derby’s players are apparently expecting to work under the former Holland and Barcelona midfielder next season with a deal seemingly close to being announced.
The report adds that Derby owner Mel Morris is enthused by Cocu’s track record when it comes to bringing through young players and his arrival should only benefit highly-rated academy graduates like Max Bird and Jayden Bogle.
And while the 48-year-old’s recent spell at Fenerbahce ended in disaster, a trophy-laden five years at PSV Eindhoven suggest that he could succeed where Lampard, Gary Rowett and co failed by bringing Premier League football back to Pride Park.
Cocu led PSV to three Eredivisie titles while presiding over a thrilling, counter-attacking style which should appeal to Derby fans who grew tired of Lampard’s sterile possession and Rowett’s frustrating pragmatism.
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