Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is the strong favourite to take over at Crystal Palace following the news that Roy Hodgson is stepping down at Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
If Lampard does become Eagles manager it seems inevitable he would be interested in some players from Chelsea. Here are six he could go for:
Tammy Abraham
Lampard of course gave Abraham his big chance in the Chelsea side and was repaid with plenty of goals. But the striker has been very much out of favour under Lampard’s successor Thomas Tuchel, who has left him out of the squad altogether for recent matches – including the FA Cup final. It therefore seems likely that Abraham will move on. There will be no shortage of interest in the England international but Palace might well be a tempting option for him if Lampard is there.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Hudson-Odoi ran hot and hold even during Lampard’s time at Chelsea, but the manager might feel the winger could blossom if given a fresh start at Palace. He certainly faces major competition for a place at Stamford Bridge.
Billy Gilmour
Gilmour also faces competition at Chelsea, where Tuchel seems unsure about him. Lampard has no such reservations and would no doubt look to snap him up, albeit on loan.
Conor Gallagher
Gallagher was wanted by Palace before being loaned to West Brom, where he has impressed despite their miserable season.
Marc Guehi
The centre-back has done well on loan at Swansea in the Championship. Could he be another Fikayo Tomori, who flourished under Lampard at Derby?
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
So impressive while on loan at Palace, Loftus-Cheek has since suffered an Achilles injury and struggled this season on loan at Fulham. But where better for the midfielder to rediscover his best form than Selhurst?