Chelsea transfer news latest: Frank Lampard, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mateo Kovacic, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Gianfranco Zola

The Blues are on the brink of sealing Frank Lampard’s return to the club

Frank Lampard‘s return to Chelsea is set to be announced imminently with the Derby manager given permission by the Rams to negotiate a deal with the Blues hierarchy.

The Chelsea legend is considered the clear favourite for the job, with no other candidates being seriously considered, and his right-hand man at Derby, Jody Morris, is set to come with him.

Bayern Munich have reportedly made a £22.4m bid for Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to the Daily Mail. However, the 18-year-old is set to sign a new long-term deal with the club, and will not be allowed to leave by Chelsea this summer, even if an agreement isn’t concluded.

The club’s hands have been tied in terms of transfer activity due to their impending ban, however, they look set to complete a £45m deal for loanee Mateo Kovacic just in time before the July 1 deadline at which point the Croatian would officially be a Real Madrid player once again.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, is set to return to the club, but his route into the first-team is now less clear after Kovacic’s signing was confirmed, while Lampard is likely to favour Ruben Loftus-Cheek when the Englishman returns from injury.

Gianfranco Zola is set to quit Chelsea when his contract runs out this weekend, after turning down an ambassadorial role within the club.

Zola worked as Maurizio Sarri’s assistant last season and is now looking to pursue a head coach role.

Zola is set to leave Chelsea this weekend (Getty)

Zola’s agent Fulvio Marrucco said: “Gianfranco’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the month.

“After a season of hard work and fantastic results alongside Maurizio Sarri, he is ready to take the next step in his own management career.”