When Frank Lampard was appointed Derby manager, a couple of Chelsea’s youngsters followed him to Pride Park.
And former Crystal Palace striker Marcus Bent believes that if Lampard becomes the new Crystal Palace boss, a similar situation could occur.
On that occasion, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount, two players have gone on to become England internationals, joined Lampard at Derby and both played a key role in the Rams reaching the play-offs.
Lampard hadn’t managed Chelsea at that time but having spent 18 months in the dugout in west London, there’s every chance some out of favour players could link-up with him at Selhurst Park, should Steve Parrish decide to hire him.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham are two of those out of favour at Stamford Bridge and would appear, whilst highly rated midfielder Billy Gilmour is in desperate need of regular first-team football having been handed his senior Blues debut by Lampard.
Bent exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:
“Going to Crystal Palace, because of the finances, there is always a lot of loan deals because there isn’t a lot of finances to go out and buy players.
“If Frank was in there, he would probably bring some young players in on loan, show what they’re about, give them that experience.
“I think that Frank probably has a few things up his sleeve, he could probably talk to Chelsea.”