The club legend is close to sealing a return to Stamford Bridge after one year as manager of Derby, who he led to the Championship play-off final before losing to Aston Villa.

With an announcement imminent, Lampard was pictured outside the club’s stadium as he closed in on a sensational return to the Blues.

Lampard has been the favourite for the vacancy since former boss Maurizio Sarri departed for Juventus having finished third, reached the Carabao Cup final and won the Europa League in his sole season in west London.

Chelsea and Derby have agreed a £4million compensation package for Lampard, with Phillip Cocu set to take charge at Pride Park.