Frank Lampard's phone calls with Timo Werner reportedly played a key role in convincing the RB Leipzig striker to sign for Chelsea.
Werner is on the brink of agreeing a move to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea ready to activate the Germany international's €55million release clause before it expires on June 15.
Liverpool were also interested in signing the striker, but Chelsea moved quickly to seal a deal for the highly-rated Leipzig star, with the move expected to go through in the coming days.
And according to The Athletic, the striker's mind was made up after he spoke to Lampard on the phone.
Werner is set to become Chelsea's second major signing, after a deal to sign midfielder Hakim Ziyech from Ajax was confirmed in February.
As with Werner, Lampard's influence in convincing Ziyech was laid bare when the Morocco international confirmed that the Blues boss was instrumental in his decision to move to west London.
"I’ve been in contact with him for a few weeks now," Ziyech told Ajax’s official YouTube channel, after his move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed.
"At first, mainly by the phone. ‘We had a few long conversations about his approach, the playing style, the club, about me personally. And later on we texted quite a lot.
"In his time he was such a big player and he was a midfielder so I can learn a lot from him. In that regard, I have a lot to learn.
"I had a good feeling after our talks and that feeling only became stronger. There was no doubt in my mind."
Lampard's status as an icon across European football was also underlined by Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
The striker previously named the Blues legend as the one retired player that he would have liked to have played with.
The 19-year-old forward caught the eye in the Champions League this season with Red Bull Salzburg, leading to widespread interest in his services - including that of Manchester United.
However, Haaland snubbed a move to the Premier League to seal a switch to Dortmund and has continued his impressive young career with the Bundesliga side.
Widely regarded as one of the best young players in world football, Haaland is expected to earn another lucrative transfer in the near future.
In quick-fire Q&A with ESPN, Haaland was asked who the one player he’d want to have played with that’s retired and replied: “Frank Lampard.”
