Chelsea hero Frank Lampard 'set for talks' as Coventry City decision made

Despite reported competition from Ruud van Nistelrooy, former Chelsea manager and midfielder Frank Lampard is set to begin talks with Coventry City over their vacant position.

The Blues hero was instantly installed as a strong favourite when the Championship side parted ways with manager of seven-and-a-half years, Mark Robins, last week.

Last in charge of Chelsea on an interim basis between Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino's spells at Stamford Bridge, Lampard is actively seeking a return to coaching having submitted a job application.

READ MORE: Chelsea's next five fixtures compared to title rivals Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal

READ MORE: Chelsea star finally addresses Bukayo Saka 'rivalry' as Enzo Maresca discovers Arsenal plan

This was confirmed by Coventry owner Doug King, who said: "We've received a huge amount of CVs from high quality people, of which Frank is one. We've done nothing on that process. Clearly we're in the international break. We'll be assessing everything. We'll work out who's going to make the shortlist and we'll go from there."

Now it appears the Sky Blues hierarchy are ready to take the next step, with the back pages of The Daily Mail today claiming it is good news to start with for Lampard.

It is reported that the 46-year-old has made the Coventry shortlist cut down from 70 applicants, thus is set to begin talks to take over in the dugout. He is not home and dry just yet, though, as there are a 'handful of contenders' that King and his advisers must now interview and pick from.

It is unknown whether Van Nistelrooy, who was also recently linked with the job having left Manchester United following an interim period in charge, has also made the cut.

Crucially for Lampard, he must recognise that he will be in talks for the position of head coach rather than manager. It is claimed King is wanting to make this change now as he restructures the club's leadership to also include a sporting director, for whom they are also seeking currently.

For this he can call upon his experiences when permanently in the Chelsea dugout as at that time he was officially named head coach. With both Derby County and Everton he acted as manager.