Chelsea given permission to talk to Frank Lampard by Derby ahead of summer move

CHELSEA have been given permission to hold talks with Frank Lampard by Derby ahead of his proposed summer move.

The Rams chief, 41, is imminently expected to take over from Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge after a superb season at Pride Park.

The news suggest he is Blues-bound - and Lampard could bring with him a host of old Chelsea pals, including Michael Ballack and Jody Morris.

In a statement, Derby revealed the news, saying: "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."

Ever since Sarri joined Juventus in a £7million compensation deal, a host of Stamford Bridge icons have been linked with a move to team-up with Lampard, including Didier Drogba.

BALL-BACK?

And on Monday, German legend Ballack has revealed he is undergoing work for his Uefa B Licence, suggesting he could be in line for a new gig.

On top of that, the Stamford Bridge cult icon wished Lampard a happy birthday last week, commenting that he would "see him soon".

Accompanying a picture of the two friends together, Ballack wrote: "Happy birthday @franklampard - have a great one... see you soon."

Lampard is Chelsea's record scorer with 211 goals in 648 matches and one of the Blues' best-ever players.

During his time at Stamford Bridge he won 11 major trophies, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Chelsea will not be able to sign players this summer amidst their transfer ban - and will now need to make do without Eden Hazard, after the Belgian star joined Real Madrid.

Lampard relied on a lot of young players at Derby, while there is no man better equipped to assess Chelsea youngsters than Morris.

Morris, 40, was assistant boss and then manager of the Chelsea Under-18s from 2014 to 2018 - and is said to be joining Lampard at Chelsea.