Derby County captain Richard Keogh is hoping that his club manager Frank Lampard will resist any possible advances from his old club this summer.
The future of the current Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is in some doubt with the Italian admitting last week that he would have to sit down with the club's bosses to discuss what their plans are for the coming season.
Lampard took charge of the Rams last summer and led them to the playoff final in the English Championship where they were beaten by Aston Villa.
The former Chelsea midfielder has been linked with a return to his old club if Sarri were to leave but Keogh would like him to stay put.
"Yeah for sure," replies the Irish defender when asked if he would be sad to see his manager depart for Stamford Bridge.
"I can't speak highly enough of the gaffer, working with him in his first season. He's going to have a fantastic career as a manager, for sure."
Frank Lampard looking forward to next season at Derby
Keogh feels that the rookie boss has helped improve the fortunes of the football club while also helping to improve him as a player.
For those reasons and Lampard's history with the Blues, he's not surprised by the speculation.
"I think naturally the speculation that's going on regarding Sarri, the gaffer is obviously going to get mentioned because of the legendary status he's got at that football club and obviously doing such a good job with us."
"As far as I know he's looking forward to next season [at Derby] as much as I am. It would be a shame to see him leave, for sure. But I think in this industry when you're doing a good job and you're Frank Lampard, you're going to get linked with jobs.
"Hopefully he stays. I've really enjoyed working with him. He's really improved the football club and me as a player as well and I've got a good relationship with him so hopefully, that continues."
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