Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea as the club’s new manager edged closer on Tuesday as Derby said they had granted permission for the Premier League club to conclude negotiations. “Derby County Football Club can confirm that they have granted permission for Chelsea Football Club to speak to Frank Lampard about the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge,” Derby said in a statement. However, he has just one season’s experience in management as he led Derby to the brink of a return to the Premier League, only to fall short in the Championship playoff final against Aston Villa. Chelsea have been seeking a manager since Maurizio Sarri departed to take charge of Juventus last week. Chelsea are unlikely to be able to make any signings this summer as they are serving a two-window transfer ban from FIFA.

Source: Punch June 25, 2019 11:26 UTC