Derby County have granted manager Frank Lampard permission to hold talks with Chelsea.

Chelsea have made former midfielder Lampard their No.1 contender to replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.

Derby issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Lampard had been given permission to speak to Chelsea, with the appointment edging closer.

Chelsea are now hopeful of thrashing out talks to ensure Lampard is in place for the start of pre-season, and would be willing to pay £4m in compensation.

The ex-Chelsea man will be joined at Stamford Bridge by several members of his Derby coaching staff, including assistant manager Jody Morris who is also a former Blues midfielder.