Derby County are preparing for life without Frank Lampard and are interested in a move for Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer if he departs, according to the Daily Mail. 

The Rams boss continues to be heavily linked with the manager's job at Chelsea with Maurizio Sarri's future remaining very unclear amid rumours of a move to Juventus.

The report from the Mail says that the interest has only gone as far as 'initial checks' but it shows the club are beginning to prepare for the possibility of Lampard's departure.

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Bowyer's stock has risen dramatically over the past year, having led Charlton to promotion from League One via the play-offs amid a host of off-field troubles at the Valley.

But the Addicks are still yet to tie the former midfielder down to a new deal, meaning he will become jobless this summer if fresh terms are not agreed.

Lampard's first season in management can go down as a roaring success having led Derby to the Championship play-off final.

Along with Jody Morris he has managed to instil an attractive brand of attacking football at Pride Park, earning himself plenty of plaudits along the way.

A defeat to Aston Villa at Wembley brought the season to a disappointing close and it is looking more and more like it could well have been his final match as Derby's boss.

The verdict 

Bowyer would be an excellent choice to replace Lampard.

Managing to get Charlton to promoted is an achievement that cannot be downplayed given their troubles and it is the sort of steel that Derby could do with in the dug-out.

It is news that should seriously reduce fears of Lampard's departure among the club's fans as well.