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Top target: Coventry City eyeing "incredible" manager if Chelsea hire Lampard

Coventry City have identified Derby County boss John Eustace as their top manager target, with Chelsea keen on re-appointing Frank Lampard.

Lampard has already had two stints with the Blues, and Gus Poyet believes the former midfielder won't be able to turn down the opportunity to return if they come calling again, saying: "I think it's always a possibility because of many reasons; what he did for the club, how popular he is, he likes the coaching job and he keeps getting better with experience.

"Maybe the Everton one was not great, but you learn a lot from those ones and you become better prepared. I'm sure it's a possibility in the future. When? I don't know. It was different the first time because he had to take the job - when Chelsea call you, you take the job."

Not only has the 47-year-old been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, but London rivals Crystal Palace are also keen, with chairman Steve Parish a keen admirer of the Coventry boss, who has led his side to the brink of promotion to the Premier League.

Coventry making contingency plans with Chelsea eyeing Lampard

According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea have made an approach to re-appoint Lampard, with Liam Rosenior under increasing pressure, having failed to make the desired impact since replacing Enzo Maresca in the dugout.

As such, the Sky Blues may have to bring in a replacement in the summer, and Derby manager Eustace has been identified as a top target, with the 46-year-old very keen on a move to the CBS Arena.

John Eustace's Derby County record

Games

Wins

Draws

Losses

Points per game

It remains 'unclear' whether Lampard would be prepared to leave Coventry, although he will have just one year remaining on his contract by the time summer comes around.

Although Derby are effectively out of contention for the automatic promotion spots, there is still a chance they will be playing Premier League football next season, as they are just three points adrift of the play-off places.

Eustace, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, has overseen a remarkable turnaround since arriving at Pride Park just over a year ago, and he has been lauded for the job he's done by podcast host Jake Parker.

When Coventry could seal Premier League promotion

Coventry are 12 points clear of third-place Middlesbrough with just five games left to play, which means Premier League football next season is almost guaranteed,

Lampard's side need to collect just four points from their remaining five fixtures, although they could seal promotion with a victory against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, should Millwall and Boro drop points.

Failing that, four points from fixtures against the Owls and Blackburn Rovers will be enough to get over the line.

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard during the match-1 Related

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The Sky Blues have set their sights on a midfielder.

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