Chelsea are reportedly planning to make a summer approach for Derby County manager Frank Lampard.
The Blues have finished in third place in the Premier League standings this season, while the West Londoners are also preparing to face Arsenal in the Europa League final.
However, the future of Maurizio Sarri remains in doubt, and it has been suggested that the Italian will be sacked regardless of whether he ends the campaign with a trophy.
According to Sport Mediaset, Chelsea have already identified club legend Lampard as the man whom they wish to appoint as Sarri's replacement.
Lampard has guided Derby to the Championship playoff final, with the Rams setting up a showdown with Aston Villa courtesy of a dramatic comeback win over Leeds United on Wednesday night.
Any decision is unlikely to be made until the end of then month due to the playoff final not being staged until May 27.
Darren Plant
