The former Chelsea midfielder is heavy favourite for the Derby County job.
Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is heavy favourite to succeed Gary Rowett as manager of Derby County.
While the 39-year-old may have left the Blues four years ago, he has retained strong links with the club at which he starred for 13 years – and has even helped out with youth team coaching this season.
Should Lampard receive the Derby reins, it is likely that he will seek to profit from his relationship with the recently-dethroned Premier League champions when searching for new recruits.
Here are three he could target at Pride Park…
Jamal Blackman
Scott Carson is being tipped to join former boss Rowett at Stoke – a move that would leave the Rams short of options in goal. Blackman, who has been at Chelsea so long he was actually a teammate of Lampard, could be a solid replacement after impressing at Sheffield United this season.
Jay DaSilva
DaSilva may not have played with Lampard, but he was recently likened to a left-back that did in Ashley Cole, who, according to Charlton manager Lee Bowyer, was not as good a player at DaSilva’s age. The 20-year-old starred as the Addicks reached the League One play-offs this season and looks ready to step up. Meanwhile, Derby left-backs Craig Forsyth and Marcus Olsson have come in for criticism this season and could be replaced.
Mason Mount
So promising he was asked to train with England ahead of this summer’s World Cup, Mount has just completed an impressive season on loan to Vitesse Arnhem. The Championship could be his next (temporary) destination, with several clubs already credited with interest. However, the presence of Lampard, who the 19-year-old is being tipped to emulate, could push him towards Derby instead. Best utilised in the hole between midfield and attack, Mount could be a good replacement for Matej Vydra, should the Rams cash in on their Czech international.
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