LAMPS: BLUES A DOUBLE THREAT

FRANK LAMPARD has backed Antonio Conte to lead Chelsea to glory in both Premier League and Champions League next season.

He believes Conte and his squad can handle the demands of Europe and successfully defend their domestic crown.

“Chelsea were very strong last year and I think they will improve with the players they are talking about bringing in,” said Lampard, who scored 210 goals for the Blues.

Among those targets are Tiemoue Bakayoko, from Monaco, in a £45million deal to be completed this week and a potential £70m bid for Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.

That is a deal Lampard would welcome. “I think what he’s done over the last two or three years is very good,” he said. “I love his attitude. He is very determined.

“If you’re talking about Diego Costa moving on and they want to get someone likefor-like, then Lukaku has proved he can do that.”

Of Conte, he added: “I’m all for players getting credit, but, for me, he was their man of the season – a huge signing.”

Lampard was speaking ahead of last night’s MLS derby between New York City and New York Red Bulls.