Chelsea are hopeful of making a quick appointment to replace Maurizio Sarri once his departure is finalised, with Frank Lampard, the Derby manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, the Wolves manager, and Ralf Rangnick, of Red Bull Leipzig, viewed as the three leading contenders.

Lampard is widely viewed as the favourite to succeed Sarri due to his rapport with Chelsea’s young players, good relationship with the fans and the ease with which the club could get him out of Derby County where he impressed in his first season in management, but if he returns to Stamford Bridge he would be assisted by former team-mate Jody Morris.

Chelsea are also keen to bring Steve Holland, the England assistant manager, back to the club, but it is unclear whether