Frank Lampard has called Gianfranco Zola with an offer to stay with Chelsea.
The Derby manager is expected to take the reins at Stamford Bridge before players return for pre-season training on Friday.
His assistant Jody Morris is set to replace Zola as No2, while Shay Given will also join the backroom staff.
Zola could remain at Stamford Bridge in a coaching capacity after being sounded out by Lampard on the phone, says Gazzetta dello Sport.
The pair spent two seasons at Chelsea together and are both loved by the fans.
