Frank Lampard has had a phenomenal season in his first year as a manager, taking Derby County to the Championship play-off final, where his team will square off against Aston Villa, with the prize of playing Premier League football next season at stake.
It seems that the Chelsea legend has already made plans as to whom he will sign if his team do make the big leap over their final hurdle, with Mirror claiming that Lampard might swoop in to sign his former Chelsea team-mate, Gary Cahill, on a free transfer.
After seven years with the Blues, Cahill said goodbye to Stamford Bridge this season as his contract with the London club comes to an end.
Cahill has barely featured this season, making just 9 appearances for Maurizio Sarri’s team as he was often neglected by the Italian manager who thought that the Englishman was not capable of playing his style of football.
The former Aston Villa man’s seven-year career with Chelsea had quite a few ups as he won the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup twice, as well as the League Cup.
Cahill signed for Chelsea for just £7 million in the 2012 January transfer window, and went on to become a key player for the Blues.
Will Cahill be a good option for Derby County?
Cahill is a veteran of the Premier League, having played almost fifteen seasons in the top-flight of English football. The experienced defender was once regarded as the best in the league, and although at 33 years of age he is past his prime, he could be a useful player for a team like Derby County if they get promoted to the Premier League.
The English defender played 61 times for his country, as well as over 300 appearances in the Premier League for Aston Villa, Bolton, and Chelsea combined.
A leader at the back, Cahill’s presence in the air in both boxes is one of his key traits. He is also good with the ball at his feet, while also possessing the ability to tackle well.
Cahill may have lost a bit of pace at the age of 33, but the technical qualities that made him one of the best defenders in the Premier League are still there. And with Derby County not required to pay a fee for him, it would seem like a solid buy as the Rams would need players who have been there and experienced top-flight football.