Frank Lampard set for shock Chelsea return after Potter's exit

Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing on a deal with Frank Lampard to take charge as coach on an interim basis.

The 44-year-old club legend is currently unemployed after he was sacked by Everton earlier this season.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that Chelsea are close to appointing former Derby County manager Frank Lampard on an interim basis until the end of the season. 

The deal, according to the report, will see him assume the role immediately, while the club continues to cast its net in search of a new permanent manager. 

Bruno Saltor took charge temporarily for the game against Liverpool following Graham Potter's sacking, and Lampard could take over until the end of the season. 

The retired midfielder is a Chelsea club legend and the club's all-time top scorer, having played 648 games for them while scoring 211 goals and grabbing 145 assists.  

He also previously held the role of manager on a permanent basis before he was fired and replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

He was Chelsea's manager between the 19/20 season and the 2020/21 season, and during his time in charge, he oversaw 84 games and had 1.75 points per match.  

He was sacked on January 25, 2021, after a run of poor results. Per reports, he is now set for a sensational return to keep the ship steady until the club's hierarchy finds a suitable permanent manager. 

As we reported previously, following the departure of Graham Potter, Chelsea have already identified potential replacements for the English manager as they aim to finish the season on a high. 

Chelsea have identified former Bayern Munich manager Jullian Nagelsmann as the prime target to take over from Potter, with other secondary targets waiting in the wings if they are unable to seal a deal for the German coach.

In case Chelsea fail to land Nagelsmann, they could also make a move for former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain Mauricio Pochettino, who is available on the free market.