Next Chelsea manager: Frank Lampard tipped by Harry Redknapp to replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge

The Derby County boss is seen as the No 1 candidate to replace the Italian after guiding the Rams to the Championship play-off final

Harry Redknapp has tipped Frank Lampard to return to Chelsea as their next manager.

The former Blues midfielder has made a promising start as a head coach, guiding the Rams to the Championship play-off final, suffering heartbreak in defeat to Aston Villa.

After Maurizio Sarri was confirmed as the next Juventus manager, Lampard is now seen as the front-runner to make a stunning return to Stamford Bridge.

“In my personal opinion, he’ll be the manager of Chelsea. It looks to me like it’s going to happen,” Redknapp told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“If Chelsea come calling, it’s a difficult one for him to turn down.

“He’s a true legend at Chelsea, one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

“It may not come along again, you never know in football, the opportunity is there for him to go back now.”

Derby owner Mel Morris insists no approach has been made to Lampard though, and that they want him to stay.

“There is no change except that Chelsea no longer have a manager. We’ve made it clear to everyone, but most importantly to Frank, that we want to retain him for the long term.

“If Chelsea want to hire him, then it is in their gift to make an offer in pursuit of that.

Frank Lampard is wanted at Chelsea (Getty)

“Meantime, we’ll continue to put our best foot forward to continue with our plans for the coming season and work with Frank for him to know how much he’s wanted by everyone associated with the club.”