Derby
have entered talks with Frank Lampard over an extension to his contract -
although Chelsea are still expected to make a formal approach to hire him,
Sky Sports News understands.
Lampard still has two years on his existing contract but Sky Sports News
understands Derby had always planned to discuss a fresh long-term deal at
the end of the season.
With no formal approach from Chelsea yet to discuss taking him to Stamford
Bridge, Derby are pushing ahead with their plans to build a structure around
him.
According to Sky sources, Chelsea regard Lampard as their top choice to
replace Maurizio Sarri, who has reached an agreement to take over at
Juventus.
Sky in Italy understand that, while Chelsea and Juventus have agreed the
details of Sarri's move to Turin, he will not be confirmed until the Premier
League club have finalised plans to bring in Lampard.
It is understood that there is a clause in Lampard's existing deal with
Derby which allows him to move - although the Sky Bet Championship side will
demand £4m in compensation.
While Lampard would find it impossible to turn Chelsea down if an offer is
made to him, he is also very respectful of Derby's fans and the club's
owner, Mel Morris, who gave him his first chance as a manager.
Under the terms of his current deal, any club wishing to take him is
required to pay £3.5m in compensation to Derby and that figure rises to £4m
if the buying club is playing Champions League football, which Chelsea will
be doing next season.
Lampard spent 13 years in west London, winning three Premier League titles,
four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League, and Champions League,
becoming the club's all-time top goalscorer in the process.
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