[long_read]

Derby County could face a battle to keep hold of manager Frank Lampard after he emerged as a strong contender to replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian is under serious pressure after a disastrous start to 2019 and Sky Sports have revealed that club legend Lampard and Zinedine Zidane are under consideration to replace the ex-Napoli boss.

Even though the Rams gave Lampard his big break in management and they are fighting for promotion, he would surely find it difficult to turn down Chelsea.

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The 40-year-old is a Blues legend and is their all-tie top scorer, so this would have to be his dream job.

Therefore, Derby may have to plan for life after Lampard if an official approach comes.

And, here we look at THREE potential replacements should the worst happen for Derby...

[snack_break title="Slavisa Jokanovic"]

The obvious one.

Jokanovic has proven himself to be a top manager at this level with Fulham after taking them to the Premier League.

As well as that, he did in style, with the Cottagers playing attacking football, which would follow on nicely from Lampard who encourages that approach.

[snack_break title="Jody Morris"]

Lampard has done a good job since taking over at Pride Park but he doesn't deserve all the credit for that.

His assistant Jody Morris has made a positive impression too and he could continue the good work done by Lampard if given the chance.

The players would understand the way he works and he showed in his previous role with the Chelsea youth teams that he can be a good leader in his own right.

[snack_break title="Carlos Carvalhal"]

Alternatively, the East Midlands side could go for a safer appointment and Carvalhal fits that bracket.

He did a good job with Sheffield Wednesday over the years and almost kept Swansea up last season against all odds.

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