The Blues continue to progress talks over a legend returning to manage the club but not all of their options want the job
Derby County head coach Lampard has long been considered a front-runner to replace Sarri and, despite the Europa League winners having assessed several options during a search led by director Marina Granovskaia on behalf of owner Roman Abramovich, their legendary midfielder continues to be a leading candidate.
Ajax's Erik ten Hag has also been considered for a role but he is cautious about signing on at Stamford Bridge due to the transfer ban that is currently in place.
Massimiliano Allegri, who is being replaced by Sarri at Juventus and is currently out of work, holds similar concerns to Ten Hag regarding Chelsea, and has also told those close to him that he is ready to take up to a year out of management.
Current Newcastle United manager and former Blues caretaker boss Rafael Benitez has been linked with a shock return to Stamford Bridge by reports in Italy, but he is not a realistic candidate.
Watford continue to plan for the future with Javi Gracia, who is not a leading candidate for Chelsea, while Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo and former Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc are in the mix. Blanc was the back-up option last summer when talks to sign Sarri from Napoli proved difficult before ultimately being concluded.
The Football Association, meanwhile, had been expected England’s assistant manager Steve Holland to have been installed as Chelsea caretaker manager in January and February when Sarri appeared close to the sack before saving his job with a turnaround in results.