Coventry City have named Derby County manager John Eustace as their top target, while Chelsea are keen to reappoint Frank Lampard.
Lampard has already played twice for the Blues and manager Gus Poirier believes the former midfielder would not be able to turn down the chance to return if he is approached again. “I think that’s always a possibility for a number of reasons: what he’s done for the club, how popular he is, he loves the coaching job and he continues to get better with experience.
“The game against Everton might not have been good, but we will learn a lot from that game and prepare better. I’m sure it’s a possibility in the future. When? I don’t know. It was different the first time, because he had to take the job. If Chelsea called, he would take the job.”
Not only has the 47-year-old been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, but London rivals Crystal Palace are also keen to do so, with chairman Steve Parish a big fan of the Coventry manager who led the team to the brink of promotion to the Premier League.
Coventry have contingency plans in place, Chelsea eye on Lampard signing
According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea are approaching Lampard to reappoint him as pressure increases on Liam Rosenior, who has not made the impact he expected since replacing Enzo Maresca in the dugout.
As a result, the Sky Blues may have to bring in a replacement in the summer, with Derby boss Eustace named as a top target, with the 46-year-old keen to move to the CBS Arena.
Derby County Records of John Eustace | |
|---|---|
game | 58 |
victory | twenty five |
draw | 12 |
loss | twenty one |
Points per game | 1.50 |
Lampard has just one year left on his contract by the time the summer rolls around, but it remains “unclear” whether he is prepared to leave Coventry.
Derby are effectively out of contention for automatic promotion, but as they are just three points outside of the play-offs, there is still a chance they will play in the Premier League next season.
Eustace, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, has made impressive progress since arriving at Pride Park just a year ago and has been praised for his work by podcast host Jake Parker.
When Coventry could decide on promotion to the Premier League
Coventry are 12 points behind third-placed Middlesbrough with five games remaining, and are almost certain to qualify for next season’s Premier League.
Lampard’s side need four points from their remaining five games, but a win against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday could seal promotion if Millwall and Boro drop points.
Even if they don’t, four points in games against the Owls and Blackburn Rovers will be enough to get them over the line.
Coventry prepare for summer move for ‘phenomenal’ Championship loanee
The Sky Blues have their sights set on a midfielder.
