Frank Lampard is already looking to bolster Coventry City’s ranks, with the manager identifying a former Chelsea teammate and fellow England international as a top target.
After his difficult final spell at Chelsea, which left his reputation bruised, Frank Lampard took a significant gamble by joining Coventry City in 2024. However, he successfully navigated the Championship, moving from near the relegation zone to clinching automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
He has identified 18-year-old Chelsea forward Jesse Derry as one of his primary targets. Lampard hopes to leverage his deep-rooted connections at Stamford Bridge to secure the highly-rated England youth international on a season-long loan, which has every chance of happening.
And that’s not the only connection he’s looking to make use of, as a former player of his at Chelsea could also make their way to Coventry.
Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge dugout? RUN IT BACK!
Coventry City Manager Frank Lampard celebrates
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Frank Lampard interested in signing Ross Barkley
Alan Nixon is reporting that Coventry boss Frank Lampard wants midfielder Ross Barkley to be his first signing of the summer, with the 32-year-old out of contract at Aston Villa at the end of the season.
“Lampard wants to bring in some experience to add to the group who won the Championship – but he also has to work within his budget and that, while Barkley would represent good business given he is out of contract at Villa Park this summer and would be available on a free transfer.
“His demands will also make him the top-paid player at the Sky Blues and that could cause a ripple effect among the players”.
Predict Chelsea’s final four 2025/2026 results 😬
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Chelsea's next four Premier League fixtures
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Frank Lampard and Ross Barkley’s connection
Frank Lampard managed Ross Barkley during his time as the head coach of Chelsea (2019–2021).
The Blues legend was a prominent figure during Barkley’s time at Stamford Bridge, often offering guidance and occasionally disciplining him regarding off-pitch conduct.
They were never club teammates. However, they were teammates at the international level for England, notably featuring in the same squad during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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