Frank in as Sarri flies off
FRANK LAMPARD is set to be named new Chelsea boss after Maurizio Sarri ended his rollercoaster spell in the hotseat by joining Juventus.
A deal for Lampard, 40, could be completed as early as this week.
The details of a £5m compensation package were finally thrashed out with Juve over the weekend – paving the way for Chelsea to make a formal approach to Derby for permission to talk to Lampard.
Sarri’s return to Serie A after less than a year in charge was confirmed yesterday but the Blues insist it was the Italian’s decision to quit.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: “In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear
how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant.
“He also believed it important to be nearer his family.
“Maurizio leaves with thanks from us all for the work he and his assistants did.”
Sarri’s legacy is a Champions League return after finishing third in the Premier League and a Europa League triumph against Arsenal in Baku last month.
Chelsea have lost star man Eden Hazard to Real Madrid while they are facing a year-long transfer ban.
Additionally, securing Lampard’s services from Derby could cost £4m of the Sarri compensation fee.
The Blues board were initially split over whether Lampard, just 12 months into his managerial career, has the necessary experience.
But with ex-Juventus manager Max Allegri ruling himself out of contention, Chelsea have decided to trust one of their most successful players.