Italian giants Juventus have agreed a £5million deal for Maurizio Sarri - and that holds the key to Frank Lampard’s future.
Juventus officials held talks with Chelsea on Thursday, with the Blues demanding a big compensation package before allowing Sarri to return to Italy.
The two clubs were edging closer to a resolution on Thursday night with a deal agreed in principle even though Juventus had been reluctant to pay up for a manager who was being eased out anyway.
But it now clears the way for club legend Lampard to take charge this summer as Chelsea have made the Derby boss their No.1 target.
Lampard still faces a massive decision because he has done an impressive job at Derby and working with young players is what appeals to Chelsea.
Lampard led the Rams to the Championship play-off final and did stellar work with Chelsea loanees Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount both playing starring roles.
Derby had been hoping he would lead another promotion push next term.
But it would be a hard job for Lampard to refuse with Sarri’s impending exit now paving the way.
The stand-off has been having a knock-on effect on players with Kurt Zouma unsure of where he may be next season.
Everton are keen to do a permanent deal for the defender who impressed while on a season-long
loan at Goodison Park.
But Chelsea are likely to want to keep him because of the transfer ban.
As such Everton fear he will not be for sale and are looking elsewhere but they are still not certain.
