Frank Lampard has emerged as a leading contender to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace this summer...

What's the word?

That's according to the Telegraph's Matt Law, who claims that the former Chelsea boss would be amongst the top candidates to be offered the Eagles job should they move on from the 73-year-old next month.

It is thought that Palace have been deliberating over whether or not to make a change and Lampard should be available as he is not interested in taking a up the vacant position as the next England U21 boss.

The report also suggests that the 42-year-old would likely want assurances he would be given the opportunity to progress the southeast Londoners up the Premier League table after several seasons languishing in midtable.

Fans will be buzzing

This development is a really interesting twist as Hodgson's tenure moves ever closer to coming to a conclusion after four years.

In that time, the veteran coach has helped establish Palace as a regular and stable top-flight side, though they have never finished above 11th under his stewardship.

And with young names coming through like Tyrick Mitchell as well as the club targeting players with plenty of potential such as Eberechi Eze, it could well be time to move on for all parties involved.

Especially given recent fan reaction suggesting that under Hodgson, the Eagles were never showing any ambition and that he should retire, which can be read in full here.

The 73-year-old has only won 33% of his matches in charge of the club, whilst at Stamford Bridge, Lampard brought home a win rate of 52%, and even that wasn't enough for him to keep his job.

Lampard would be a fresh change in the dugout and one that could see them transition nicely into next season, with those aforementioned players and aims being a crucial part of their long-term future.

The former Chelsea player brought through the likes of Mason Mount and Reece James, both of which have gone onto become first-team regulars under Thomas Tuchel and both are likely to be competing in the Champions League final.

Furthermore, the report claims that his presence could bolster their chances of clinching Tammy Abraham or Billy Gilmour, who have both been linked with moves in the past.

Steve Parish could do very little wrong in hiring Lampard to be his next manager, it would certainly appease the fanbase and would kickstart an exciting era at Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, 40 y/o tipped for Crystal Palace job, Parish must now act...