Frank Lampard has agreed his Chelsea return and will signal his intent to give the club’s young players a proper chance by integrating them into his first-team set-up.

Chelsea’s record goalscorer finalised his contract to take over as head coach on Monday after Derby County excused him from having to return for the start of pre-season training.

Telegraph Sport understands that one of Lampard’s first moves will be to allow the academy players to mix with the senior professionals at the Cobham training complex.

Lampard will also instruct the youth coaches to vary training times, so that he can watch either after or before working with the first team.

Former head coach Maurizio Sarri did not watch a single academy training session and did not attend any under-23 games during his year in charge.