Frank Lampard has been spotted at Chelsea's training ground as he weighs up a managerial career and works towards his Uefa coaching qualifications.
According to the Daily Mirror, the former Blues midfielder, who announced his retirement last week, has been "lending a hand with the club's academy at Cobham" to complete "some of the practical elements of his coaching course".
Last year, Lampard told Sky Sports that while he would like to try his hand at management, the only job he wanted was as Chelsea boss. With Antonio Conte on the brink of the Premier League title, that role may be a way off, although a coaching role at the club could be a realistic option.
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Lampard is "arguably the club's greatest-ever player", says ESPN. "And owner Roman Abramovich is keen for Blues legends to be brought back on board in coaching, technical and ambassadorial roles when they retire from playing."
Former players Carlo Cudicini, Paulo Ferreira, Eddie Newton, Jody Morris and Tore Andre Flo all have coaching or scouting jobs with the club, it adds, while John Terry could also come on board when he calls time on his playing career.
However, if Lampard changes his mind about working outdoors, he could still become a "club ambassador", says The Times.
"The former England midfielder is keen to maintain his links with the club for whom he scored 211 goals while winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 13 years at Stamford Bridge, but has yet to respond formally to the offer as he wants time to consider all of his options after announcing his retirement last week," says the paper.
"Lampard is also wanted by the FA, which is eager to bring former England internationals who are pursuing coaching qualifications into the national coaching set-up at St George’s Park, and may give him the opportunity to work with England junior teams."
He and another recent retiree, Steven Gerrard, are wanted by the FA and have been "offered the chance to fast-track their coaching qualifications", says ESPN.
