Sky: Chelsea told Derby County they are ready to meet Lampard's £4 million compensation clause

Derby granted permission to Chelsea to talk to Frank Lampard about the vacant manager's job at Stamford Bridge.

Sky sources understand that Chelsea told Derby that they are prepared to pay the £4m indemnity clause in Lampard's Rams contract.

The 41-year-old is in line to replace Maurizio Sarri after the Italian returned to his hometown with Juventus.

"The Derby County Football Club can confirm that they have given permission for Chelsea Football Club to speak with Frank Lampard about the leading position at Stamford Bridge, " A Derby statement said

 "With the pre-season fast approaching for both clubs, this is expected to allow "The club will not comment until it is appropriate to do so." Chelsea to quickly conclude their discussions."


Lampard was appointed head of the Derby last summer and had an impressive season of management debut, leading the club to the play-off final  of the Sky Bet Championship, where he lost 2-1 to Aston Villa.

He spent 13 years in West London as a player, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League, making him the club's top scorer in the process.

Last week, Chelsea indicated Lampard's forme.