[ad_pod ]
According to the Daily Express, Chelsea fans will be made to wait for Frank Lampard to be announced as their new manager until Derby County find his successor.
What's the deal, then?
The Blues have been scouring for a replacement for Maurizio Sarri after it was announced the Italian would be leaving to join Serie A giants Juventus.
The 60-year-old spent less than a year at Stamford Bridge despite guiding his side to a top four finish, a Carabao Cup final and a Europa League trophy.
And Lampard, who only took his first managerial job last season where he steered the Rams into the playoff final, has been the leading contender to replace Sarri.
Lampard will bring the fans back on side
But Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer needs to be announced sooner rather than later as the club need to get themselves in order for what could be a potentially tumultuous summer.
The Blues were hit by a transfer ban from FIFA meaning they cannot sign anyone in the window – providing an appeal does not lift the ban temporarily.
And there have already been rumours around some of their players.
Jorginho has been tipped to be linking up with Sarri at Juventus, while bids of £35million were rejected from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for fellow Willian.
The Europa League winners need to begin preparations for 2019/20 as soon as possible and announcing Lampard is the first step in doing that.
Could United be in the hunt for an £85m blockbuster signing this summer? Check out the video below...
They need every player they can get their hands on – even background players such as Todd Kane could be persuaded to stick it out at Chelsea if Lampard is given the official unveiling as the new permanent boss.
What the west London outfit require is a sense of direction, belief, and everyone pulling in the same direction despite all of the turmoil.
Whether Lampard is underqualified for the job or not is up for debate – one thing he will bring back on side is the fans, and that’s what is needed with the uncertainty right now.