Frank Lampard the leading contender to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace
By Ross Jackson
Frank Lampard is understood to have emerged as the leading contender to replace Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace manager this summer.
The former Chelsea boss has been out of work since being sacked by the Blues in January. Lampard departed Stamford Bridge with the lowest win percentage of any manager in the Roman Abramovich era bar Andre Villas-Boas, leaving Chelsea ninth in the Premier League, 11 points off of top spot.
However, after less than four months out of the game he could be about to be offered a way back in, with The Telegraph reporting he's one of the main candidates to replace Hodgson at Crystal Palace this summer.
Hodgson has spent nearly four years at Selhurst Park after replacing Frank de Boer following the Dutchman's short yet disastrous reign at the club.
Having defied the odds in leading Palace to safety during his maiden campaign with the south London outfit, he's managed to steady the ship and has retained their status as a Premier League side yet again this season.
With Hodgson's deal expiring in the summer, the veteran tactician has refused to be drawn on whether he will remain at the club next season, with the Palace hierarchy understood to be deliberating whether to make a change.
Should they choose to part ways with the former England boss, Lampard is one of the main candidates to replace Hodgson, though it's unclear whether he'd be willing to accept the role.
No fewer than 11 first-team Palace players are out of contract this summer and a massive overhaul is expected over the coming years with the average age of the Eagles' squad one of the oldest in the top flight.
The report adds that Lampard has no interest in the England Under-21 job he's recently been linked to, while his connections with Chelsea mean he represents an attractive proposition for Palace given the players he could potentially attract to Selhurst Park on loan.
Sean Dyche and Eddie Howe have also been linked to the potentially soon-to-be vacant post, though Lampard is understood to be the favourite.