Derby County fans will be nervously awaiting the outcome of talks between their manager Frank Lampard and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about the managerial vacancy at Stamford Bridge, following Maurizio Sarri's departure to take up the reigns at Juventus.

If Lampard departs it will undoubtedly have a huge impact at Pride Park, with the 40-year-old taking the Rams to the brink of promotion last season following a play-off final defeat to Aston Villa.

So what next for Derby if Lampard does take the Chelsea job?

We discuss.........

Toby Wilding

"There is no doubt it would be a loss, but I don't think it would be their biggest concern.

"There are plenty of other managers out there with the credentials to keep Derby competing at the level Lampard has taken them to this season, if they can bring in the players capable of doing so.

"The expiration of loans of players such as Harry Wilson, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori leaves them some way short in their starting XI, and they will need to find players of that quality again if they are to make that push for promotion, something they are running out of time to do while they remain in limbo over the future of Lampard."

Kealan Hughes

“It is a big shame for them and it will be difficult to reignite the unity and spirit shown under Lampard, who appeared to be building something good there.

“They need another young manager who can get the best out of the players like Lampard did. Bowyer would have been a good option but he has just signed a new deal.

“Someone like Paul Warne would suit them. He may not have the best record in the Championship but with better players at his disposal he could be very effective, as he gets players playing to their full potential.”

Gary Hutchinson

“Upwards.

“Harsh maybe, but everything became about him last season. They lost their identity.

“It was ‘Lampard’s Derby’ this or just ‘Lampard’ at times. They’re a proud club and deserve better.

“I think they could, and should, have got further in the play-offs then they did. They should move for Monk.”

Louie Chandler

"It is really hard to tell.

"Before this morning I would have said Lee Bowyer was a shoe-in for the job and think it could've have even have been an upgrade.

"But with him committing his future to Charlton in a dramatic U-turn, it leaves Derby in a very tricky position.

"I think they should do everything possible to prise Daniel Stendel away from Barnsley but it will not be an easy task at all."