Interesting candidate set to replace Frank Lampard as Derby manager | OneFootball

With Frank Lampard closing in on a return to Chelsea as manager, Derby County are reportedly about to appoint a replacement out of left-field.

Former Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Philip Cocu is reportedly set to become the new boss at Pride Park, with the Telegraph reporting on Tuesday afternoon that the 48-year-old’s assistant Twan Scheepers has already had a tour of the club’s training ground.

Additionally, the Guardian report that the Rams players have been told that Cocu is the most likely candidate to take over from Lampard.

Since hanging up his boots in 2008, the 101-time Dutch international has worked as assistant to Bert van Marwijk in the national team set-up and managed PSV and Fenerbahçe at club level.

He has been out of work since his short and unsuccessful spell with Fenerbahçe came to an end in October, but Derby owner Mel Morris is reportedly hoping the appointment of a highly respected former player will have the same impact as hiring Lampard did last summer.

Lampard has been negotiating with Chelsea since it Derby publicly confirmed the former England midfielder had been given permission to speak to his old club last week, and the 41-year-old could officially become the new Blues boss on Tuesday or Wednesday.