Incoming Chelsea boss Frank Lampard wants Gianfranco Zola to stay.

Zola spent last season as Maurizio Sarri's assistant, helping the club to a third-placed finish and Europa League glory. He was expected to follow Sarri out of the club this summer.

However, Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has claimed that Lampard has offered Zola a lifeline at his former club.

"Last Thursday Frank Lampard has called Zola," he tweeted.

"Because Gianfranco could stay in Chelsea and join his staff as an assistant."

Lampard is expected to bring his assistant Jody Morris with him when he finalises his switch from Derby.