Derby are understood to have opened talks with Chelsea target Frank Lampard over a new managerial contract to keep him with the Rams. Pride Park bosses appear determined not to let Lampard leave for former club Chelsea without a fight, and will offer him improved terms in a bid to ward off Stamford Bridge interest. Derby are still braced for an approach from Chelsea, who are understood to want Lampard to replace Maurizio Sarri in the Stamford Bridge hotseat. Lampard has two years left on his current Derby contract, but the club are understood to want to tie him down to a long-term deal. But the former investment banker never won over the Stamford Bridge fans, polarising opinion over his regimented tactical approach.

Source: Irish Examiner June 15, 2019 15:00 UTC