Antonio Conte’s departure from Chelsea could affect Derby County’s pursuit for loan signings from the Blues.

Frank Lampard has been reported to be linked with a handful of Chelsea’s youth players. 

One being Kasey Palmer who spent the second half of the season on loan at Pride Park and could be on his way back to Derbyshire.

But with Conte gone, the rapport with the club where Lampard solidified legendary status could be under small threat.

The new man to take over at Stamford Bridge might be one to look at the younger players after the emergence of Ruben Loftus-Cheek who was on-loan at Crystal Palace last season.

Chelsea might look to blood more English youngsters.

This would be one avenue that Lampard thought he could exploit only to see it dry up with a smaller pool of players to choose from.

Mason Mount is another Chelsea youngster Derby have shown interest in after a good season in Holland on-loan with Vitesse Arnhem.

Lampard’s eye on new recruits should be more pressing with Matej Vydra looking certain to leave the club with Leeds and West Brom said to be in the for the talismanic striker. Andreas Weimann has already left for Bristol City.

So the new Rams boss will need to use all his contact in the game, as well as nouse and knowledge of players to recruit if they are to obtain that elusive promotion to the Premier League.

Relying on a former employer as a feeder club is a dangerous game. But it is a plan that could well pay off.

If you are good enough, you are old enough and the Derby assistant Jody Morris knows more than most what the young lads at Chelsea are capable of. 

It would benefit both sides to allow Lampard and Morris to swoop for Chelsea’s academy stars.

Crucial first team experience  will be gained and an undeniable lesson in the understanding of mens football. 

It worked for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, it could work too for Mount and Palmer, respectively.