The worst kept secret in football was confirmed today as Derby County revealed they had given permission for manager Frank Lampard to talk with Chelsea.
Blues legend Lampard has only been in charge of the Rams for a year, but looks set for a sensational return to Stamford Bridge as manager.
It comes after Derby pipped Bristol City to a play-off spot last season, leapfrogging City with a 2-0 win late on in the season.
Confirming the news in a statement, Derby revealed that they were keen to finalise Lampard's future so that it does not impact their preparations for the upcoming campaign.
They said: "Derby County Football Club can confirm that they have granted permission for Chelsea Football Club to speak to Frank Lampard about the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge.
"With pre-season fast approaching for both clubs it is hoped this will allow Chelsea to swiftly conclude their discussions."
Part of Derby's pre-season plans include a trip to Florida at the same time that Bristol City are out in the USA.
City jet out to the Sunshine State for nine days on July 11, and the duo are set to play each other in a friendly at the IMG Academy on July 13.
Yet, should Lampard opt to take the Chelsea job, it throws up an interesting conundrum for whoever takes over at Derby.
Even in this age of international tours and pre-season tournaments between giant clubs, not every manager likes the prospect of facing competitive opponents in friendly matches.
Just last week, for example, Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town called off a friendly after they were drawn against each other in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
It can give an opponent an early insight into your plans, and perhaps leave them feeling better prepared for facing your team when the season rolls around.
Clearly the Robins hierarchy and the current coaching set-up at Derby do not have a problem with facing each other in a friendly.
Yet a new Derby manager could well view the plans more dimly, which will obviously impact on the Robins' trip - although, at present, there appear to be no plans to call off the game.
