Derby County's feint hopes of reigniting any sort of potential deal for Mason Mount have been seemingly put to bed by Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.

Mount was a key member of the Rams' squad last season as they reached the play-off final at Wembley, but he has since returned to the Blues and signed a new long-term deal with the club.

And his manager Frank Lampard has seemingly moved to put to bed any sort of hope Derby might have had of bringing Mount back, with the Derbyshire Telegraph quoting Lampard following Chelsea's latest pre-season win.

"Mason's part of the first-team squad this year and it's time for him. His qualities will improve even more with the qualities around him. Everyone knows the hopes I have for Mason and he showed today a glimmer early in pre-season of what we might see this year and going forward." Lampard said.

Those comments from Lampard suggest that he is indeed going to give Mount a chance in the Chelsea first-team next season, and it will be interesting to see if the youngster can have the same impact in the Premier League to which he had in the Championship.

Mount displayed his qualities on more than one occasion but cemented his potential with a stunning display in the play-off semi-final second leg at Leeds United, where he scored a crucial goal to fire the Rams to Wembley.

New manager Phillip Cocu will be keen to get up and running in the Championship ASAP, but will have to do so without the services of Mount it would seem.

The Verdict

I don't think this was ever going to really happen once Lampard left but this all but confirms it.

Derby fans won't be bitter though. Loan players often do well and don't return, so if Mount can do well in the Premier League and break into the Chelsea first XI, then most Rams will surely be delighted for him in the main.