Derby are edging closer to appointing Phillip Cocu as their new manager, once Frank Lampard's move to Chelsea is confirmed according to the Guardian. 

Chelsea's interest in Lampard has been no secret, and Derby recently revealed that they had excused their boss from training to allow further discussions to take place between Lampard and the London-based club.

The 41-year-old has only been in charge of the Rams for a season, where he took them to a top six finish, but they narrowly missed out on a place in the Premier League after a defeat to Aston Villa in the play-off final.

Derby are evidently keen to appoint his successor as quickly as possible, so that they can plan ahead for the new season, where they'll be looking to go one step better than last year's campaign.

Cocu has been without a job since leaving his post at Fenerbahce after a poor spell in charge.

But he has had successful spells with Dutch giants, PSV in the past, winning three league titles in his time with the club.

The former Dutch defender will be keen to take that success into the managerial post at Derby, and if he can adjust to the demands of English football, then it could prove to be a smart bit of business by the Rams.

The Verdict: 

I think this is a smart appointment by Derby if they can reach an agreement with Cocu.

Cocu has experience of managing at a high level with PSV and Fenerbahce, and he's evidently keen to prove himself as a manager in England.

He was a fantastic player in his time, and he's the type of manager that could attract some promising young players to the club, which could aid them in their promotion bid next season.