Derby have granted Frank Lampard permission to miss pre-season training as he continues talks with Chelsea regarding the vacant manager's job at Stanford Bridge.
According to Skysports, Chelsea were granted permission to speak to former player Lampard last week as the club look to replace Maurizio Sarri after the Italian returned to his homeland with Juventus. The report hinted that Chelsea have already prepared £4m compensation clause in Lampard's contract.
A statement on Derby's website reads
"The first few days of pre-season training will be focused on fitness training and will continue as planned under the guidance of the fitness, medical, conditioning and sports science teams at the club's training centre.
"On the assumption that Frank will reach an agreement with Chelsea to become their new manager, the club shall step up its efforts to find a replacement manager."
In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT on Monday, Derby chairman Mel Morris said
"Obviously it's a matter between Chelsea and Frank at this stage, but they've now got the opportunity to finalize matters. When Frank and I first met, we discussed this very eventuality, the only difference is the timing of this.
"Our belief at this point in time is that Frank and Chelsea need to have the time now to finalize the transaction between them.
"We're going to have a tough time ahead if Frank goes. If he'd done a bad job at Derby this season then this wouldn't be happening. It's impossible in a situation like this. The last thing you want is, if someone has a desire to go, them looking over their shoulder. I have a great relationship with Frank - and Chelsea - and this will continue."
Asked if Chelsea have already had sufficient time, he added: "You could say that. I think in fairness that Frank was away on vacation, didn't come back until Friday - a well-deserved vacation, it was a pretty tough season - so I think that's been a big factor."
