Frank Lampard edges closer to Chelsea return as juventus reach agreement in principle over maurizio sarri

Juventus and Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle to allow Maurizio Sarri to return to Italy, although negotiations over a compensation fee for the manager’s departure could reach up to £5m.

Sarri, who led Chelsea to third place in the Premier League and the Europa League trophy, is set to sign a three-year contract to succeed Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus after the Italian champions held talks with Chelsea this week.

It is understood that the terms of the deal will see juve pay around £2.5m to secure the 60-year- old’s services for the new season, with the remainder due in bonuses should he lead them to a ninth successive Scudetto or the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Didier Drogba has endorsed Frank Lampard’s credentials to become Chelsea’s manager once Sarri joins Juventus, with the former striker insisting his old teammate would be “a very good option for the club”.

Although the Derby manager is understood to be one of several names on the shortlist together with candidates such as Allegri
and Watford’s Javi Gracia, Drogba believes Lampard would be the right choice.

A deal for sarri is understood to be completed and announced in the next 24 hours.

READ: Matthijs de Ligt edges closer to Manchester as red devil’s launch £70m bid