Chelsea are in the driving seat to sign Derby midfielder Max Bird this summer according to TodoFichajes.

Frank Lampard worked with Bird when he was the manager of the Rams last season and is ready to clinch a £4.8million deal for the midfielder – £200,000 short of Derby’s asking price.

Lampard, when asked about Bird as Derby boss, said: ‘He stands out as a young man. He is very polite with everyone, has a real desire to improve and he’s a good team-mate.

‘Whether it has been for the youth teams or when he has been with the first team, he is an all-rounder.

‘I have found him to be a great lad and our relationship is really good.’

Bird was given his league debut by Lampard in December 2018, and the Rams academy graduate has gone on to make 27 appearances for the first team.

The teenager was a regular goalscorer in Derby’s youth teams, but has operated in a more defensive role this term under current Rams boss Phillip Cocu, complementing January signing Wayne Rooney.

Bird impressed both Lampard and assistant Jody Morris in 2018-19, interacting with Chelsea loanees Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori.

The 19-year-old is currently under contract with the Pride Park club until June 2022.

Source:- All Football