Frank Lampard has been excused from reporting back for pre-season training with Derby as he continues discussions about becoming Chelsea manager.
Rams boss Lampard was last week granted permission to speak to the English Premier League club with a view to succeeding Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
Derby are searching for a new manager on the assumption the 41-year-old will leave Pride Park.
“Derby County Football Club has excused Frank Lampard from reporting back for pre-season training on Monday and Tuesday to allow his discussions regarding a potential move to Chelsea to be concluded as soon as possible,” read a statement on the club’s official website on Monday.
“The first few days of pre-season training will be focused on fitness training and will continue as planned under the guidance of the fitness, medical, conditioning and sports science teams at the club’s training centre.
“On the assumption that Frank will reach an agreement with Chelsea to become their new manager, the club shall step up its efforts to find a replacement manager.”
Former midfielder Lampard scored a club record 211 goals as a Chelsea player between 2001 and 2014, winning 11 major trophies.
Derby owner Mel Morris feels it is only a matter of time before Lampard and Chelsea reach an agreement.
“I’m assuming so. Obviously it’s a matter between Chelsea and Frank at this stage, but they’ve now got the opportunity to finalise matters,” Morris told talkSPORT.
“When Frank and I first met, we discussed this very eventuality, the only difference is the timing of this.
“Our belief at this point in time is that Frank and Chelsea need to have the time now to finalise the transaction between them.”
Asked if Chelsea have already had sufficient time, he replied: “You could say that.
“I think in fairness that Frank was away on vacation, didn’t come back until Friday – a well-deserved vacation, it was a pretty tough season – so I think that’s been a big factor.”
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
The subs he made in both legs vs bielsa's leeds were very good. His style reminds me of klopp at dortmund early on. And he had a few of the chelsea kids. No transfers remember. He wont be expected to compete for the league. No hazard remember. Expectations should and will be low and we wont have to watch sarri ball. Who was a better applicant i wonder
Gonzo99
Roar Rookie
I didn't, and I understand that the championship is a very difficult division to get out of, so it's difficult to know how good he is. He's now competing with Klopp and Guardiola, instead of Marcelo Bielsa and Daniel Farke - it's a massive step up. I might be wrong but this feels like an emotional appointment designed to please the fans.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Did you watch championship playoffs? Who would have you brought in. CFC has a heart again. Great to get.
Gonzo99
Roar Rookie
This feels like a mistake. He's proved nothing about his managerial ability at Derby.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
No Hazard, no transfers, and Lampard as manager. They won't be keeping up with the 3 title challengers (Reds, Spurs, City)