Frank Lampard set to begin pre-season training at Derby as talks continue over vacant Chelsea job

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Frank Lampard and his coaching staff are expected to report for pre-season training at Derby on Monday as talks continue over him talking charge at Chelsea, according to The Sun.

Chelsea had hoped to appoint their former midfielder as successor to Maurizio Sarri after they were given permission by the Championship side to talk to their manager.

But negotiations have dragged on and the 41-year-old, who has one year left on his contract, will now travel up to Derby to begin pre-season training. 

Frank Lampard and his coaching staff are expected to report for pre-season training at Derby

Lampard will be joined by assistant Jody Morris and coach Shay Given — who are both expected to join him at Chelsea if a deal can be agreed. 

Chelsea also begin their pre-season preparations on Monday when a few first-team players who have not been on international duty join players from the development and youth teams at their training ground in Cobham.  

Nine days later Chelsea kick off their summer schedule by heading across the Irish Sea to take on Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

Chelsea still hope to appoint their former midfielder as successor to Italian Maurizio Sarri

Dalymount Park has a capacity of just 4,227, meaning it is unlikely many Chelsea fans will get the chance to watch the historic game live.

Bohemians are currently third in the League of Ireland Premier Division, which runs from February to October.

Lampard's men will then play fellow Irish side St Patrick's at their Richmond Park stadium on July 13 before heading into games against Kawasaki Frontale, Barcelona, Reading and RB Salzburg.

Their final game will be against Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany on August 3, eight days before their Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford.