Derby County manager Frank Lampard has been excused by the club from reporting back for pre-season training until Wednesday to allow for talks with Chelsea - to become their new manager - to continue.

The former Blues midfielder is in discussions with the club to take over from Maurizio Sarri, who left for the top-job at Juventus.

Lampard took over the Rams job last year and it was his first venture into management. In his first season, he guided them to the Championship Play-Off Final, losing to Aston Villa at Wembley.

In a statement on the club's website, they said:

"Derby County Football Club has excused Frank Lampard from reporting back for pre-season training on Monday and Tuesday to allow his discussions regarding a potential move to Chelsea to be concluded as soon as possible.

"The first few days of pre-season training will be focused on fitness training and will continue as planned under the guidance of the fitness, medical, conditioning and sports science teams at the club’s Training Centre.

"On the assumption that Frank will reach an agreement with Chelsea to become their new manager, the club shall step up its efforts to find a replacement manager."

Lampard has been the front-runner for the job since the departure of Sarri. Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, who led them to Champions League glory in 2012 - has backed his ex-player to take over believing him to be the perfect fit:

“He’s definitely the right man. He’s got personality. I followed Derby last year and his team plays very good football. He’s got all the experience in the world.

“It’s a great fit. Whether it’s right now or not, only time can tell that. You can say it is too early but you have to give people a chance. Frank has got all the tools and I think he will make a lot of people happy if he was the next manager.”