Phillip Cocu, the Dutch playing icon who was a multiple title-winner when in charge of PSV Eindhoven, is Derby’s audacious target to replace Frank Lampard as manager. The East Midlands club sounded out Cocu as part of preparations for losing Lampard, who is expected to finally be installed at Chelsea in the next few days.

Mel Morris, Derby’s owner, wants Lampard’s successor to be in a similar mould. “Style of play is key, the intensity of play is key, the connection with the fans is key,” Morris told the radio station talkSPORT.

Cocu, inset, could fit the bill. Like Lampard he was a decorated international midfielder — he won a Spanish title alongside Pep Guardiola at Barcelona. He won plaudits for his work with PSV,