Reports are suggesting that Chelsea have opened talks with Frank Lampard as they look to replace Maurizio Sarri in the managerial position.
The former England international has only been in management for one season, taking Derby County to the play-off final, which they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at Wembley.
While the Rams failed to secure promotion, Lampard may already have shown enough to convince Roman Abramovich that he is the man to take Chelsea forward ahead of the imminent departure of Sarri to Juventus.
Lampard switched between a 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 formation, in which his team tried to dominate possession and press aggressively; this would suit Chelsea, as many of their players are accustomed to approaching matches in this way.
The idea of a sensational return for the cult hero sounds mouthwatering for some fans, but it would undoubtedly be a huge risk.
Take a look at how the Blues legend could set his team out next season if he does indeed take charge!
GK - Kepa Arrizabalaga
After signing for over £70 million last summer, Lampard would be under pressure to start Kepa, who has been solid since arriving. He recently became the Spanish number one.
RB - Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta has been a mainstay in the Chelsea team for a number of years now. His experience would be beneficial in a team that could be moulded around younger players.
CB - Fikayo Tomori
Young central defender Fikayo Tomori showed his quality in the Championship last season, and Lampard knows he can trust the player, who could be ready for the English top flight.
It would be a bold move to start him ahead of David Luiz and Andreas Christensen, but Lampard has shown his faith in youth and he would provide much-needed energy to the back-line.
CB - Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger has been Chelsea’s best defender in the past year and would prove to be a solid choice in central defence.
He would need to stay fit, however, as he has been prone to injuries of late.
LB - Marcos Alonso
Emerson improved towards the back-end of last season, putting together some solid displays ahead of Marcos Alonso.
However, the former could follow Sarri to Juventus, meaning Lampard may have to favour the experience of Alonso or promote a younger player like Jay Dasilva.
CDM - N'Golo Kante
Kante has been a revelation since signing from Leicester City; he has proven his ability to play in a more advanced role, but Lampard may be tempted to put one of the world’s best defensive midfielders back in his favoured position.
Probably the deepest of his midfield three, Kante is untouchable and a mainstay in the Chelsea side.
CM - Mason Mount
Mason Mount was one of the outstanding performers in England’s second tier last season and definitely deserves a chance to play with the best.
He would provide good drive and energy just ahead of Kante, as well as his ability to press the ball. He is only going to get better.
CM - Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Loftus-Cheek sustained a nasty injury towards the back-end of the season to conclude what was a solid campaign for the midfielder.
Still only young, he has good ability on the ball and an impressive passing range. While he won’t be back for the start of the season, the doubts over a move for Mateo Kovacic show that Loftus-Cheek is the long-term option for Chelsea in midfield.
RW - Willian
Willian was in and out of the side last season, but under Lampard, who likes to make the pitch wide, the Brazilian could be a pivotal figure at Stamford Bridge. His crossing and free-kick ability would be useful.
LW - Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic would likely be Lampard’s first choice left winger having just signed from Borussia Dortmund for big bucks.
The American will be expected by many to fill the gap or at least help contribute in the absence of Eden Hazard. Lampard could turn the young player into one of the very best.
ST - Tammy Abraham
Lampard has opted for more mobile forwards at Derby, and that may just favour the younger, less-proven Tammy Abraham. He proved last season that he is too good for the Championship and deserves another shot at the big time.
It would be a big call to keep Olivier Giroud on the bench after finishing as Europa League top scorer, but he may not have the legs for Lampard’s style.