Derby County are trying to entice Frank Lampard to stay on as manger of the Sky Bet Championship side.
Lampard is in the running for the Chelsea job, but Rams chairman Mel Morris does not want him to quit this summer.
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is believed to be a candidate for the job at Stamford Bridge IF Chelsea don't manage to hire Lampard.
Morris released a statement today and he said: "We have made it very clear to everyone, but most importantly to Frank, that we want to retain Frank for the long term," said Morris.
"If Chelsea want to hire Frank, then it is in their gift to make an offer in pursuit of that.
"In the meantime, we will continue to put our best foot forward to continue with our plans for the coming season and work with Frank for him to know how much he is wanted by everyone associated with the club."
Benitez has a contract offer on the table from the Magpies but is yet to strike a deal.
His current agreement expires on June 30.
