Chelsea are set to offer Frank Lampard a three year deal to take over as the club's manager when they make a formal approach later this week, ESPN has reported.

Lampard is Chelsea's all time leading goalscorer, having found the net 211 times in 648 appearances in all competitions, and has emerged as a target for his former side following an impressive debut season in management with Derby County.

The 40-year-old led The Rams to the Championship play-off final last season, where they ultimately missed out on promotion to the Premier League following a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Wembley.

Chelsea are looking for a new manager after confirming on Sunday that Maurizio Sarri will be leaving the club to take over as manager of Italian champions Juventus after just a single season in charge at Stamford Bridge, and Lampard appears to be the club's number one target.

Despite the interest from Chelsea, it appears that Derby have not given up hope of keeping Lampard at Pride Park for next season, with Sky Sports reporting that The Rams have opened talks with Lampard about a new contract at the club.

The verdict

This has to be a worry for Derby.

Lampard has worked wonders at Pride Park during his time in charge, and he could be a big miss next season if he moves on in the summer.

The chance to manage in the Premier League - and at Chelsea of all places - may be too good a one for him to turn down, particularly given there is no guarantee that he will get the opportunity to do so again.