Chelsea winger Willian has hailed the extraordinary qualities of Frank Lampard and said that he will be very welcome to take over as the Blues next head coach. The west London side are without a manager after the departure of Maurizio Sarri but they have been fancied to seal the appointment of Lampard from Derby County.

Speaking to Football.London, Willian was full of praise for the former Blues star and said that he would have the full backing of the club, should he take over the managerial reigns, he quipped: “He is a legend. He was an extraordinary player for the club, winning every possible title. He deserves so much respect and backing for what he has already achieved at the club. If Chelsea do bring him in, he will be very welcome. Is he definitely going to be the next manager? I don’t know. But I think he would be up to the task. He was a great player, and he is a great person. He’s only starting his managerial career now, but he has everything it takes to be a success.”

The Blues are currently under a transfer ban for the next 12 months and that means that they cannot register any players during the summer transfer window. Despite this, widespread report indicate that Lampard has given the green light for the project, considering the club are prepared to give him with the added time to cope with the embargo.

No official confirmation has been made regarding the appointment but the same only remains a formality with the Blues sorting out the compensation package with Derby. The Blues may not be able to pursue new players but they have begun the work of extending the contracts of players at the club. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has recently agreed on a bumper five-year deal and reports suggest that he could be presented alongside Lampard.