blues bound?
Derby County grant Chelsea permission to speak to Frank Lampard about vacant manager’s job
Maurizio Sarri left Stamford Bridge after just one season in charge and Blues icon Lampard is in the frame to succeed him
Chelsea will open talks with Frank Lampard about their vacant manager's job after officially being granted permission by Derby.
The Blues are searching for a new manager following the departure of Maurizio Sarri after just one season in charge, with the Italian leaving earlier this month to become Juventus coach.
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A club statement read: "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.
"With pre-season fast approaching for both clubs it is hoped this will allow Chelsea to swiftly conclude their discussions.
"The club will make no further comment until it is appropriate to do so."
In his debut season as a manager, Lampard guided the Rams to the Championship play-off final but lost to Aston Villa.
Speculation had been growing in recent days that Chelsea's former midfielder would be their next manager.
On Monday, talkSPORT revealed that the Blues would appoint Lampard as their new boss within the next 48 hours.
Lampard made 648 appearances for Chelsea across a wildly successful 13 year spell, and left in 2014 as the London club’s all-time record goalscorer with 211 strikes.
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Derby were desperate to keep the 41-year-old, with owner Mel Morris reportedly offering him a bumper £10million contract to stay, but it appears the lure of taking over at Stamford Bridge will be too strong to resist.
Chelsea are expected to pay around £4million in compensation to Derby if they can reach an agreement with Lampard.
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