Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has rejected an approach from Derby County as they look for a replacement for manager Frank Lampard, amid speculation that he is going to become the next manager of Chelsea, according to The Times.

Lampard is the favourite to become the next manager of Chelsea, after Maurizio Sarri left the club to join Juventus after just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The former Chelsea midfielder impressed in his first season as a manager with Derby and was able to guide the Rams to the Championship play-off final.

Chelsea are yet to make an official approach to Derby to speak to Lampard, but this latest report from The Times states that the Derby boss has made it clear he wants to succeed Sarri at Stamford Bridge.

Derby had hoped to keep hold of Lampard and had opened talks with the Chelsea legend over extending his contract at Pride Park, but it seems they are now resigned to losing him.

The Rams have identified Lampard's former England teammate Gerrard as a potential replacement for him, but the Rangers manager has rejected their approach.

So, would Gerrard be a good appointment for the Rams and is it a surprise to see him reject their approach? We discuss...

Toby Wilding

“It's interesting to see that Derby are already making approaches to other managers, which suggests that they are far from optimistic about keeping Lampard for much longer.

“You can understand why Derby are going for a manager like Gerrard, given the success they enjoyed with another young rookie manager in Lampard last season, but I can't say I'm surprised that Gerrard is staying put.

“His debut season at Rangers has shown similar promise to Lampard's at Derby, and it seems he wants to complete the job of becoming the man to finally overthrow Celtic at the top of Scottish football, while also avoiding the comparisons with his former England teammate that would surely dog him if he were to make the move to Pride Park.”

Tommy Joyce

“It's really no surprise Gerrard has turned down the opportunity to go Derby to follow in Frank Lampard's footsteps.

“If the two getting compared with every decision they make isn't enough already, you'd dread to think what it would be like if he did the job directly after him.

“Gerrard could get a Championship at any time he wants; the challenge is Rangers at the moment and getting them to compete.

“I really don't see that changing unless an offer from the Premier League team comes in.”

George Brooks

“I can understand why Derby would be interested in a manager like Gerrard, given the success they had with Lampard last season, but I can't say I'm surprised to see him reject their approach.

“The fact that Derby have started looking at other managers suggests that they are expecting Lampard to leave and that would have to be considered a massive blow for the Rams.

“As for Gerrard, he did a good job in his first season as a manager with Rangers and I just don’t see why he would want to leave Ibrox for Pride Park.

“He’s already started preparing for next season and has made a few new signings already this summer, so I’d be very surprised to see him leave now.”