Frank Lampard ‘a serious option to return as Chelsea caretaker manager’

Frank Lampard could be set for a shock return to Chelsea, with the club seriously considering bringing him back on an interim basis until the end of the season, according to reports.

The former midfielder was sacked by the Blues in January 2021 after 18 months at the helm, but Chelsea have since had a change in ownership and this could open the door for Lampard to get a second chance in the dugout.

The Blues sacked Graham Potter on Sunday and have identified Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements, but a quick appointment may not be possible.

Chelsea would prefer to have a new manager ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next Wednesday, and if Enrique or Nagelsmann are not ready to take over Lampard could be asked to take charge, as reported by The Times.

It is understood Lampard would be open to taking the role for the remainder of the campaign, and the 44-year-old watched Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool from the director’s box on Tuesday.

Luis Enrique is being considered by Chelsea for the permanent role and is set for talks with the club

Julian Nagelsmann is another candidate but his situation is complicated after his recent Bayern Munich exit

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are leading the search for the club’s next manager, and are considering up to seven names for the job, although Lampard is not currently seen as a long-term option.

Enrique and Nagelsmann are two names on that list, and the Spanish coach has flown into London to speak to senior figures at the west London outfit.

Nagelsmann also has admirers at Stamford Bridge, but his situation is complicated by the severance package he agreed with Bayern Munich after being sacked by the German champions last month.

The German is the early favourite for the job, but he wants clarity on how the club want to move forward and how…