Frank Lampard could be set to leave Derby following Maurizio Sarri's move to Juventus, according to The Sun.

It is the news Derby fans have feared ever since the interest in the Italian came about, as Lampard was always likely to be a target of The Blues after taking Derby to within a game of the Premier League.

The Rams boss is relatively inexperienced, but that hasn't prevented Chelsea making him their number one target. He has already proved himself an astute manager and the club feel he is ready for the step up.

It has been a hugely successful season for Derby, Lampard has defied the odds with a young team, overcoming a deficit against a strong Leeds side in the League One play-off semi-final to reach Wembley.

After his debut season Lampard can boast of a win percentage of 42%, having won 24 of his 57 games in charge, which for a first-time manager deserves a lot of praise.

Derby owner has prepared for the outcome since the interest in Sarri first arose, and speaking to TalkSPORT he said he would do whatever he could to retain Lampard's services.

The Verdict

This is the worst development that could have happened for Derby.

Lampard has been fantastic for them. He has done well on and off the pitch in galvanising the fans and getting the best out of the young players at the club. He has proven he is tactically astute and has used his contacts within the game to Derby's advantage.

Derby would do well to replace him with someone as good. Jody Morris will likely depart too and that would also be a blow.

However, Derby should have planned for this eventuality and should have another manager lined up, but despite that it is a big setback for a club which was gathering so much momentum.