Frank Lampard has told Derby he would like to join Chelsea if his former club make a formal approach to make him their new manager.

Lampard is the favourite to become the next head coach at the west London club after Maurizio Sarri officially left to take over Juventus on Sunday.

Significantly Lampard’s uncle, Harry Redknapp, admitted on Monday he will be shocked if his nephew doesn’t get the post.

The former England international still has two years left to run on his current contract at Derby having been appointed last summer.

It has been reported that Derby have tried to open negotiations over an extension in the hope he will stay on next term.

In Pictures | Frank Lampard 28 show all In Pictures | Frank Lampard 1/28 Chelsea's newly appointed English head coach Frank Lampard gives a thumbs up as he poses at Stamford Bridge on 4th July 2019 AFP/Getty Images 2/28 1998 Frank Lampard spent his youth career at West Ham, and was handed a first professional contract by the club in 1995 Getty Images 3/28 1998 Lampard won 19 caps for the England Under-21s side before making his senior bow for the Three Lions in 1999 Getty Images 4/28 1999 The midfielder helped West Ham secure their highest-ever league finish in 1999 as they qualified for the Intertoto Cup by ending fifth Getty Images 5/28 2001 His form at West Ham earned Lampard an £11million move to London rivals Chelsea PA 6/28 2003 He scored his first senior England goal in a 3-1 win over Croatia Jamie McDonald/Getty Images 7/28 2005 The midfielder won his first Premier League title with Chelsea in 2004-05. The Blues also won the Community Shield against Arsenal the following August Getty Images 8/28 2005 Lampard came second in the battle for the 2005 Ballon d'Or award, which was won by Barcelona's Ronaldinho Getty Images 9/28 2009 Lampard celebrates scoring Chelsea's third goal against Liverpool PA 10/28 2009 The Chelsea star lifted the FA Cup after scoring the winning goal for Chelsea against Everton at Wembley Getty Images 11/28 2010 Lampard then won another Premier League trophy following Chelsea's victory over Wigan on the final day of the 2009-10 season Getty Images 12/28 2010 Lampard was denied a clear goal in England's World Cup last-16 clash against Germany in 2010. The midfielder would go on to make more than 100 appearances for The Three Lions Getty Images 13/28 2012 Lampard met The Duchess of Cambridge at the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park Getty Images 14/28 2012 Lampard celebrated the greatest moment of his Chelsea career after winning the Champions League Final over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena PA 15/28 2013 He then added a Europa League medal to his Champions League haul one year later PA 16/28 2013 The midfielder won his 100th cap for England during a Fifa 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. He received an award from his father, Frank Lampard Senior (R), which was watched on by daughters Luna and Isla during an international friendly match between England and Chile at Wembley Stadium Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images 17/28 2014 Lampard left Chelsea for a move to MLS where he joined New York City FC AP 18/28 2015 He moved back to England, this time on loan to Manchester City, but failed to add to his domestic silverware haul Getty Images 19/28 2015 Lampard linked up with New York City where he spent two years 20/28 2015 Lampard married Christine Bleakley at St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge PA 21/28 2015 The midfielder was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal, which was presented to him by the Duke of Cambridge at an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace Getty Images 22/28 2017 Frank Lampard returned to Chelsea as a guest AFP/Getty Images 23/28 2017 He moved into media work, doing punditry for BT Sport Getty Images 24/28 2017 Lampard posed with his wife Christine Lampard at the Glamour Women of The Year awards 2017 at Berkeley Square Gardens Getty Images 25/28 2017 He handed Cristiano Ronaldo his Fifa FifPro World XI award during The Best FIFA Football Awards Show in London Getty Images 26/28 2019 After joining Derby County in his first managerial role, Lampard celebrated victory against Leeds United in the Championship play-off semi final second-leg match at Elland Road Getty Images 27/28 2019 Lampard was left disappointed after Derby lost their Championship play-off final against Aston Villa, which denied the club promotion to the Premier League Action Images via Reuters 28/28 Chelsea's newly appointed English head coach Frank Lampard gives a thumbs up as he poses at Stamford Bridge on 4th July 2019 AFP/Getty Images 1/28 Chelsea's newly appointed English head coach Frank Lampard gives a thumbs up as he poses at Stamford Bridge on 4th July 2019 AFP/Getty Images 2/28 1998 Frank Lampard spent his youth career at West Ham, and was handed a first professional contract by the club in 1995 Getty Images 3/28 1998 Lampard won 19 caps for the England Under-21s side before making his senior bow for the Three Lions in 1999 Getty Images 4/28 1999 The midfielder helped West Ham secure their highest-ever league finish in 1999 as they qualified for the Intertoto Cup by ending fifth Getty Images 5/28 2001 His form at West Ham earned Lampard an £11million move to London rivals Chelsea PA 6/28 2003 He scored his first senior England goal in a 3-1 win over Croatia Jamie McDonald/Getty Images 7/28 2005 The midfielder won his first Premier League title with Chelsea in 2004-05. The Blues also won the Community Shield against Arsenal the following August Getty Images 8/28 2005 Lampard came second in the battle for the 2005 Ballon d'Or award, which was won by Barcelona's Ronaldinho Getty Images 9/28 2009 Lampard celebrates scoring Chelsea's third goal against Liverpool PA 10/28 2009 The Chelsea star lifted the FA Cup after scoring the winning goal for Chelsea against Everton at Wembley Getty Images 11/28 2010 Lampard then won another Premier League trophy following Chelsea's victory over Wigan on the final day of the 2009-10 season Getty Images 12/28 2010 Lampard was denied a clear goal in England's World Cup last-16 clash against Germany in 2010. The midfielder would go on to make more than 100 appearances for The Three Lions Getty Images 13/28 2012 Lampard met The Duchess of Cambridge at the official launch of The Football Association's National Football Centre at St George's Park Getty Images 14/28 2012 Lampard celebrated the greatest moment of his Chelsea career after winning the Champions League Final over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena PA 15/28 2013 He then added a Europa League medal to his Champions League haul one year later PA 16/28 2013 The midfielder won his 100th cap for England during a Fifa 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. He received an award from his father, Frank Lampard Senior (R), which was watched on by daughters Luna and Isla during an international friendly match between England and Chile at Wembley Stadium Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images 17/28 2014 Lampard left Chelsea for a move to MLS where he joined New York City FC AP 18/28 2015 He moved back to England, this time on loan to Manchester City, but failed to add to his domestic silverware haul Getty Images 19/28 2015 Lampard linked up with New York City where he spent two years 20/28 2015 Lampard married Christine Bleakley at St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge PA 21/28 2015 The midfielder was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal, which was presented to him by the Duke of Cambridge at an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace Getty Images 22/28 2017 Frank Lampard returned to Chelsea as a guest AFP/Getty Images 23/28 2017 He moved into media work, doing punditry for BT Sport Getty Images 24/28 2017 Lampard posed with his wife Christine Lampard at the Glamour Women of The Year awards 2017 at Berkeley Square Gardens Getty Images 25/28 2017 He handed Cristiano Ronaldo his Fifa FifPro World XI award during The Best FIFA Football Awards Show in London Getty Images 26/28 2019 After joining Derby County in his first managerial role, Lampard celebrated victory against Leeds United in the Championship play-off semi final second-leg match at Elland Road Getty Images 27/28 2019 Lampard was left disappointed after Derby lost their Championship play-off final against Aston Villa, which denied the club promotion to the Premier League Action Images via Reuters 28/28 Chelsea's newly appointed English head coach Frank Lampard gives a thumbs up as he poses at Stamford Bridge on 4th July 2019 AFP/Getty Images

However, Standard Sport understands that the 40-year-old informed the Championship side last week of his desire to take charge at Stamford Bridge should the opportunity arise.

Chelsea will have to pay £4m in compensation for their ex-midfielder, who scored a record 211 goals for the Blues between 2001-14.

The fee will not put Chelsea off from making a move and Derby fear they are going to lose their asset after just one campaign at the helm.

Former Tottenham and West Ham boss Redknapp feels it is only a matter of time before Lampard is unveiled by Chelsea.

Speaking to talkSPORT on Monday, he said: “I think it will be a major surprise if he does not get the job. It looks to me as though it will happen.

“It’s brilliant for him. A shame for Derby. He has gone up there and done a good job. I’m sure Derby they loved having him there, the fans and everybody so it will be a shame for them, the club, the fans, but for Chelsea it is a great move for them.

“He is idolised at Chelsea. He is a genuine legend there. He knows the game, he knows what it’s about, he has a touch of class and I think he will be great.”

Chelsea have considered a number of options since Sarri confirmed he wanted to return to Italy following the victory over Arsenal in the Europa League Final last month.

Despite concerns over his lack of experience, Lampard has emerged as a leading candidate with the hope he can galvanise the fanbase during a two-window transfer ban – which remains in place subject to appeal – and the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.

Other possibilities considered include Nuno Espirito Santo and Javi Gracia, but they will cost a lot more in compensation.

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag looks committed to staying at the Dutch club for another season, while Massimiliano Allegri is on sabbatical.

Another to have earned admirers is RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick having done a fine job on a limited budget in the Bundesliga, but Lampard is firmly in the frame.

He led Derby to the Championship play-off final despite having little money to spend on players and regularly picked youngsters Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, who were both signed on loan from Chelsea.

Roberto di Matteo is the only former Chelsea player to be put in charge of the club since owner Roman Abramovich bought it in 2003.

In Pictures | Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea 33 show all In Pictures | Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea 1/33 Sarri signs his contract with director Marina Granovskaia. Chelsea FC via Getty Images 2/33 Sarri speaks in his first press conference. AFP/Getty Images 3/33 The Italian holds up the Chelsea home shirt. Action Images via Reuters 4/33 Sarri at Stamford Bridge. AFP/Getty Images 5/33 Alongside Cesc Fabregas and David Luiz. AFP/Getty Images 6/33 Sarri and Arsenal coach Unai Emery embrace. Arsenal FC via Getty Images 7/33 Sarri cut a nervous figure on the touchline. Getty Images 8/33 Respect between Sarri and former Blues coach Jose Mourinho. AFP/Getty Images 9/33 Sarri waves to the waiting Chelsea fans. Getty Images 10/33 Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp and Sarri share a joke. Liverpool FC via Getty Images 11/33 The tactician takes charge of training. Action Images via Reuters 12/33 Sarri and striker Gonzalo Higuain. Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien 13/33 Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Sarri chat on the touchline. AFP/Getty Images 14/33 The press had come down hard on Sarri during his time at Chelsea. REUTERS 15/33 Sarri remonstrates with the fourth official. AFP/Getty Images 16/33 Maurizio Sarri has been cut by bookmakers to win the sack race EPA 17/33 Sarri with assistant Gianfranco Zola. AFP/Getty Images 18/33 Sarri gives instructions to Willian and Jorginho. REUTERS 19/33 The EFL Cup final chaos left a cloud hanging over Sarri's future. AFP/Getty Images 20/33 Sarri tries to instruct his players. AFP/Getty Images 21/33 High tension: Manager Maurizio Sarri cut an animated figure all night for Chelsea on Thursday Action Images via Reuters 22/33 Sarri often vented his frustration in the technical area. Getty Images 23/33 Sarri insists there is no need for wholesale changes at Stamford Bridge. EPA 24/33 Sarri arguably got the best out of Eden Hazard before his Real Madrid switch. PA 25/33 Sarri reflects on his Europa League triumph. REUTERS 26/33 Sarri is warned by referee Kevin Friend. Action Images via Reuters 27/33 Sarri in training with Hazard. AFP/Getty Images 28/33 Sarri waiting for the Europa League final. Getty Images 29/33 A nervous Sarri waits on the touchline. REUTERS/Phil Noble 30/33 Sarri and Emery shared a mutual respect for one another. REUTERS 31/33 Sarri's first trophy as a manager. Getty Images 32/33 Sarri lifts the Europa League trophy. Getty Images 33/33 Celebrating with his Chelsea players. Getty Images 1/33 Sarri signs his contract with director Marina Granovskaia. Chelsea FC via Getty Images 2/33 Sarri speaks in his first press conference. AFP/Getty Images 3/33 The Italian holds up the Chelsea home shirt. Action Images via Reuters 4/33 Sarri at Stamford Bridge. AFP/Getty Images 5/33 Alongside Cesc Fabregas and David Luiz. AFP/Getty Images 6/33 Sarri and Arsenal coach Unai Emery embrace. Arsenal FC via Getty Images 7/33 Sarri cut a nervous figure on the touchline. Getty Images 8/33 Respect between Sarri and former Blues coach Jose Mourinho. AFP/Getty Images 9/33 Sarri waves to the waiting Chelsea fans. Getty Images 10/33 Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp and Sarri share a joke. Liverpool FC via Getty Images 11/33 The tactician takes charge of training. Action Images via Reuters 12/33 Sarri and striker Gonzalo Higuain. Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien 13/33 Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Sarri chat on the touchline. AFP/Getty Images 14/33 The press had come down hard on Sarri during his time at Chelsea. REUTERS 15/33 Sarri remonstrates with the fourth official. AFP/Getty Images 16/33 Maurizio Sarri has been cut by bookmakers to win the sack race EPA 17/33 Sarri with assistant Gianfranco Zola. AFP/Getty Images 18/33 Sarri gives instructions to Willian and Jorginho. REUTERS 19/33 The EFL Cup final chaos left a cloud hanging over Sarri's future. AFP/Getty Images 20/33 Sarri tries to instruct his players. AFP/Getty Images 21/33 High tension: Manager Maurizio Sarri cut an animated figure all night for Chelsea on Thursday Action Images via Reuters 22/33 Sarri often vented his frustration in the technical area. Getty Images 23/33 Sarri insists there is no need for wholesale changes at Stamford Bridge. EPA 24/33 Sarri arguably got the best out of Eden Hazard before his Real Madrid switch. PA 25/33 Sarri reflects on his Europa League triumph. REUTERS 26/33 Sarri is warned by referee Kevin Friend. Action Images via Reuters 27/33 Sarri in training with Hazard. AFP/Getty Images 28/33 Sarri waiting for the Europa League final. Getty Images 29/33 A nervous Sarri waits on the touchline. REUTERS/Phil Noble 30/33 Sarri and Emery shared a mutual respect for one another. REUTERS 31/33 Sarri's first trophy as a manager. Getty Images 32/33 Sarri lifts the Europa League trophy. Getty Images 33/33 Celebrating with his Chelsea players. Getty Images

The Italian, who led Chelsea to the Champions League and FA Cup in 2012, has no doubts former team-mate Lampard can be a success.

He said: “He’s definitely the right man, he’s got personality. I followed Derby last season and he plays very good football - he has all the experience in the world.

“It’s a great fit, whether it’s right now or not? Only time can tell. You can’t say it’s too early, you have to give people a chance. He’s got all the tools and it will make a lot of people happy if he is the next manager.”