Chelsea transfer news: Ethan Ampadu blocked from joining Derby County, says Frank Lampard

Chelsea have told their legendary midfielder he will not be able to bring Ampadou to Derby

Derby County have been unsuccessful in their efforts to sign Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu, Frank Lampard has confirmed.

The Championship side are looking for midfield options in an attempt to boost their promotion claims in the second half of the season.

Lampard has already raided his former club since becoming Derby manager in the summer and signed Mason mount on loan at the start of the season. The 19-year-old has thrived under Lampard’s stewardship and the former Blues midfielder was hoping to bring in another Chelsea youngster.

Ampadu has not played in the Premier League this season but has impressed when used by Maurizio Sarri in cup competitions since making his first Chelsea appearance in November. He had previously caught the eye early in the season in the Uefa Nations League for Wales.

“We have asked, but I don't think he's leaving Chelsea,” Lampard confirmed.

“He can play in a few positions, that's why he would be so valuable to anybody and why he's staying at Chelsea.

“People thought we did a lot of business in the summer, but our actual net spend was very negligible.

“I had to bring in personnel to try to change the style and that's not a one-window solution, that's probably two or three-window. This window will be quiet for us.”

Ampadu impressed Sarri during his first start of the season in the Europa League in November and the Chelsea manager was full of praise for the 18-year-old.

"I think he played a very good match, especially in a team like this,” he said. “We need to consider if you play Ampadu only in the usual team it is easier for him. Today we changed ten players, so it is not easy with the young players to play with a new team in one of these matches.

"I am really very happy with Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Of course they need to improve in every way, tactically and technically, but they are in the right way."