Frank Lampard has told Derby County he wants to return to Chelsea if they make a formal approach for him, according to the Evening Standard.
Blues legend Lampard is being tipped to take over at Stamford Bridge following the departure of Maurizio Sarri for Juventus.
And the Standard reports that Lampard has indicated that he would like the Chelsea job.
Reports elsewhere suggest that the former England midfielder is set for talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
Sarri’s departure after just one season at Stamford Bridge was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
It was often a troubled season, with Sarri heavily criticised by fans and pundits during a dismal spell for the Blues.
But the campaign ended with a return to the Champions League as well as a trophy, with Chelsea thrashing Arsenal in the Europa League final in what proved to be Sarri’s final match at the helm.
Chelsea say Sarri, who had two years remaining on his contract at the Bridge and has signed a three-year deal with Juventus, made it clear he wanted to return to his native Italy.
He will replace fellow Italian Massimiliano Allegri, who left Juve at the end of last season.
“In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant,” said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
“He also believed it important to be nearer his family, and for the well-being of his elderly parents he felt he needed to live closer to them at this point.”