Ashley Cole could follow former Derby boss Frank Lampard to Chelsea.

The Mirror says Cole has been released by Derby and could be in line for a role under Lampard, who was hugely impressed at the ­38-year-old's contribution on and off the pitch.

“First of all, I needed him as a player at Derby. And then there's the extra stuff in terms of what he brings as a professional," said Lampard.

“Ash is great for the group. He was always first in at training, friendly with everyone and humble, even though he was the best left-back in the world for a long period."

Lampard has appointed Jody Morris as assistant head coach as well as first-team coach Chris Jones and backroom staff Eddie Newton and Joe Edwards.

He added, "I may have only one year in management but in Jody, Joe and Eddie and Chris we have many years of coaching within us.

"I think what we are trying to do and that is not just me - it is the club, is to bring in not just players who played for the club because they played for the club, we are trying to bring in people that feel the club. Yes, first and foremost, yes that is nice but also people with an incredible work ethic."