Derby manager Frank Lampard says he intends to ignore any speculation linking him with the manager’s job at Chelsea.

Due to the club legend’s long association with the Blues, he understands his name will continue to be linked with the role, but he says his focus is purely on the Rams:

“I can’t do much, Having played for Chelsea for 13 years, and the link I have with them will go on forever, it possibly means if Chelsea have their moments, which we all know they have had there, then I am an easy link.”

“So was Zidane before he took the Real Madrid job. Does it affect me? Absolutely not because I have a three-year contract here. I am planning for pre-season, I am planning recruitment in the summer, and planning before that getting promoted if we can…”

“I can tell you my pure focus is on the club and doing what I can do here.”

At the bookmakers, Lampard is currently 5/6 odds-on favourite at Sky Bet to take over from current manager Maurizio Sarri.

There has been speculation that Chelsea may sack the Italian even if they win the Europa League final next week, while Juventus are said to be eyeing the former Napoli head coach to take up their vacant manager’s post for next season.

The Bianconeri are parting ways with Max Allegri after five years and are said to be looking at Sarri as well as another ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

Sarri reportedly wants clarification on his future from the Blues in order to decide whether he should put his name in the hat for the Juve job.