Derby County are reluctantly accepting the prospect of losing manager Frank Lampard over the summer, with the Englishman hotly tipped to replace the outgoing Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.

Lampard enjoyed an excellent debut season in management with the Rams, as he led them to the Championship playoff final. However, they seem to have found the ideal replacement should the Englishman return to Chelsea.

The Daily Mail reports Derby have made discreet enquiries about Lee Bowyer and his situation as they consider their options too.

Bowyer has impressed several clubs in his first full season as a manager, leading Charlton back into the Championship as League One playoff winners despite all the off-field turmoil at The Valley.

Charlton are also in a vulnerable position with Bowyer now into the final month of his contract.

The south Londoners intend to re-open talks over a new deal for Bowyer following his return from holiday this week and will hope to tie him down before any potentially better financial offers come in.