OFFICIAL: Derby Confirm Lampard’s exit to Chelsea

Championship side Derby County have announced Frank Lampard has left his managerial post to become the new boss of Premier League side Chelsea.

The Blues have long identified the former England international as the prime target to replace Maurizio Sarri who left the club at the end of last season to join Italian champions Juventus.

Lampard was given the permission by the Rams last week to speak with his former club and now they have confirmed his departure.

A statement on the club website read:  Derby County Football Club has excused Frank Lampard from reporting back for pre-season training on Monday and Tuesday to allow his discussions regarding a potential move to Chelsea to be concluded as soon as possible.

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.

According to Goal, Chelsea will buy out the last two years of Lampard's Rams contract at the cost of £4m ($5m) to replace their former head coach Maurizio Sarri, who joined Juventus a fortnight ago in a deal worth upwards of £5m ($6m).

However, the Blues are yet to announce officially, but it's expected they will in the coming hours.