Chelsea are yet to make a formal approach for Frank Lampard at Derby County, however the Blues legend is still the hot favourite for the role.
The Rams are becoming more resigned to losing their main man, with Lampard keen on a move to Stamford Bridge if, or when, they finally make their move for him.
However, that would mean that Derby need a replacement for Lampard, who only took the manager position last season and took them to the brink of a return to the Premier League.
One man that they had their eye on was Lee Bowyer at Charlton, who did a fantastic job with the Addicks.
The former Leeds United midfielder took Charlton back to the Championship after a 2-1 win over Sunderland in the play-off final last month.
Bowyer's contract with the London club was up when July came around, and after a bizarre statement from Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet, it looked like he was set to leave.
However, after a stunning turnaround, Bowyer actually put pen to paper on contract extension which will see him through the 2019/20 campaign.
That has come as a bit of a blow for Derby, who were interested in Bowyer to be their replacement for Lampard should he make the move back to west London.
Derby have been linked with a move for Steven Gerrard at Rangers, however that appears to be a non-starter .
However, Bowyer's decision to stick with Charlton means that negotiations might be more difficult for Chelsea.
According to the Derby Telegraph, the Rams are not willing to initiate any contact with other managers while they still have Lampard in place.
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