The move comes after Chelsea beat Luton Town 3-1 in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash at Stamford Bridge but following a serious downturn in Premier League form, losing five of their past seven games.

ESPN reported recently that Chelsea were torn over the future direction of the club having become frustrated with a lack of progress under Lampard despite spending £220 million in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea had approached former RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick to take the job on a temporary basis but he ruled himself out of the running. They also sounded out current Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann over whether he would be prepared to leave the club mid-season but sources have confirmed that he also dismissed Chelsea's interest.