FRANK LAMPARD could make a shock return to Chelsea after confirming his departure from New York City FC.
The Stamford Bridge legend spent two seasons in the United States after quitting the Blues in 2014.
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He has not yet decided whether to carry on his playing career or take his first steps into coaching.
But SunSport exclusively revealed last month that FA chiefs want Lampard to help mentor England’s young stars – and will offer to fast-track the 38-year-old, and former Three Lions team-mate Steven Gerrard, through their badges at St George’s Park.
And, according to the Daily Mail, Chelsea will also open their doors to Lampard should he decide to hang up his boots.
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Former stars Carlo Cudicini, Jody Morris, Eddie Newton, Paulo Ferreira, Jon Harley and Tore Andre Flo have already been integrated into their staff at senior and youth level.
And owner Roman Abramovich is believed to be keen to give jobs to more club icons in a bid to prevent them being tempted into roles with Premier League rivals.
Ex-Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira – Lampard’s manager at NYCFC this season – snubbed the Gunners to take a technical role at Manchester City in 2013.
And Blues bosses are desperate to stop their record goalscorer from following suit after he spent a controversial loan spell at the Etihad two seasons ago.
It is understood Vieira took the decision not to extend Lampard’s contract following New York City’s 7-0 MLS play-off drubbing against Toronto last week.
The three-time Prem winner played 31 games in the USA, scoring 15 goals alongside marquee signings Andrea Pirlo and David Villa.
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