Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is in talks with Derby over the vacant managerial role.

The 39-year-old only retired from playing in 2017 after a spending a season with MLS side New York City. However, he is intending to get into management as quick as possible with the Derby role opening up due to Gary Rowett's departure to join Stoke City.

They finished sixth last season with a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Fulham in the play-off semi-finals to end the season. It was a successful first full season under Rowett, but the lure of Stoke's finances was too much for him.

Lampard revealed some key information on BT Sport's coverage of the Champions League: "There’s been interest from Derby, I’ve been speaking to them."

"I’m ambitious and I want to become a manager at some point. It’s a big club, with big tradition and big history, which I really like."

The Verdict

This would a hard job to take as his first role because there is significant expectations and financial constraints which are a risky combination. The Championship is also a high level to come into, but it certainly isn't an impossible task. His playing career was filled with multiple achievements, so the question is whether he can convert his ability and knowledge to a role on the touchline.

Derby have a strong spine and talented individuals in this team, so they are a promising project. However, they could be raided by some bigger teams, so it's hard to say exactly who they will have a their disposal next season.