Derby County owner Mel Morris insists that he has not contacted Rangers about Steven Gerrard as the Rams prepare for life without Frank Lampard.

The current boss at Pride Park is expected to take over at Chelsea in the coming days after Derby gave the 41-year-old permission to speak to his former club as they seek a successor to Maurizio Sarri.

Therefore, it seems highly likely that Morris will be on the lookout for another new manager to take over the east Midlands side and reports from Scotland had suggested that the Rangers chief is the number one target.

The Record claimed a £2.5m-a-year salary would be offered along with an £8m bonus for winning promotion.

However, Morris emphatically dismissed the idea that he had been in touch with the Glasgow giants when speaking on TalkSPORT earlier today.

"Should Frank move we've got to start getting ready but what we will not to do is begin conversations with anyone other than out of work candidates."

Presenter Jim White then asked specifically about Gerrard, with Morris describing the reports as 'absolute rubbish'.

The Verdict

This is pretty clear from Morris and it's good to have that transparency from the owner as a fan of Derby or Rangers in this instance.

Although, that's not to say that Gerrard will not be approached in the future but it obviously hasn't happened now.

Once Lampard does take the job at Stamford Bridge, you would imagine from Morris' comments that things will pick up and that is exactly how the club should act.

So, it is going to be a busy few weeks for the Rams once Lampard does seal his dream return to Chelsea and there will be plenty of names interested in taking over at Derby.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.