Derby County have offered Frank Lampard a new contract as they try to keep the manager despite interest from former club Chelsea.

The 40-year-old has enjoyed a superb first season in management, having guided the Rams to the play-offs, playing a stylish, attacking brand of football, although it ended with defeat against Aston Villa at Wembley.

Nevertheless, with Chelsea poised to lose boss Maurizio Sarri to Juventus, they are on the lookout for his replacement and it is widely expected that they will turn to their all-time top scorer.

And, whilst that remains the case, Telegraph reporter John Percy has revealed that Derby have started talks over a new deal for Lampard in the hope that he may stay.

Although, a further update provided from Rob Dorsett indicated that the manager is still expected to go to Stamford Bridge.

Lampard currently has two years to run on his contract at Pride Park and it is believed that the Premier League side will have to pay around £4m to secure him as Sarri's replacement.

The Verdict

This is a surprising update but you can't imagine it will make much of a difference as the appeal of returning to Chelsea will be too much for Lampard.

Providing they pay the £4m to release him from his contract, then you would expect a move back to London to be pretty straightforward.

However, Derby fans will be glad to see the club are doing all they can to keep the manager and it's now down to Lampard to make a decision.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.