Derby have released a statement this morning that confirms that Chelsea have been given permission to speak to Frank Lampard about the vacant managerial post at Stamford Bridge.

It seems that it is only a matter of time before he is appointed the club’s new manager. While it is already assumed that loanees like Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James and Tammy Abraham will be offered game time next season, are there others in the academy who could also be given a shot?

Lampard was not shy of giving young players a chance during his season with the Rams. 18-year-old Jayden Bogle hadn’t played a single senior game prior to Lampard’s arrival as manager but ended up playing 50 matches in all competitions.

So could the Chelsea legend also spring a surprise and give one of Chelsea’s academy players some regular game time next season? Let’s look at the possible candidates:

Billy Gilmour

Signed from Rangers in the summer of 2017, the central midfielder has become a key member of the Under 19 and Under 23 sides. He scored a hat-trick in the 10-1 win over Molde in the UEFA Youth League back in October and played every minute as Chelsea made it to the final.

In Premier League 2, he was also a prominent figure, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 19 appearances. With Mateo Kovacic looking destined to return to Real Madrid, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek out with an Achilles injury, Gilmour could be in with a chance of first-team action.

Charlie Brown

The striker arrived from Ipswich’s academy in 2016, but he really made a name for himself last season. He scored 12 goals in nine UEFA Youth League appearances but did not start the final as the young Blues lost out to Porto.

Brown has fared less well for the Under 23s in Premier League 2, but he certainly caught the eye in the EFL Trophy where he scored against Swindon, Plymouth and AFC Wimbledon’s senior sides for the Under 21s. A deadly left foot, with good technical ability, he is one to look out for.

Daishawn Redan

The Dutchman arrived from Ajax’s famed academy in 2017, and he’s lightning quick. Both technically and physically, there is still room to improve, but his movement and finishing ability make him a player with massive potential.

Redan was picked ahead of Brown in the UEFA Youth League semi-final and final, showing how highly rated he is by the club’s academy staff. The teenager also scored two goals for the Under 21s in the EFL Trophy and hit 5 in Premier League 2.

For the Netherlands, he has been very prolific right from Under 16 to Under 19 level and is likely to star for the Under 21s in the not too distant future.

Luke McCormick

The midfielder is probably the least likely to make the breakthrough, mainly due to the fact that at 20 years of age, he really is a prime candidate to go out on loan in order get some senior football under his belt.

Having been captain for both the Under 19s in the UEFA Youth Lague and for the Under 23s, on occasion, McCormick remains highly rated, and Lampard may see a promising young player there.