Derby County have excused manager Frank Lampard for the start of preseason.

Lampard remains Chelsea's No.1 choice to replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge and has been given permission to speak to his former club.

He is still in talks over a return to the club where he became record goalscorer as a player and it looks increasingly likely his appointment will be imminent.

The Blues are happy to pay Derby £4m in compensation, whilst Lampard is likely to be joined by several members of his Derby coaching staff, including assistant manager Jody Morris.

A club statement from Derby read: "Derby County 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."