Frank Lampard has conceded defeat in signing Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu as defender Davide Zappacosta is in reported talks with Lazio over a transfer.
The Derby County boss had earlier succeeded in getting Mason Mount on loan but he has now backtracked in signing Ampadu.
“We have asked, but I don’t think he’s leaving Chelsea. He can play in a few positions, that’s why he would be so valuable to anybody and why he’s staying at Chelsea. People thought we did a lot of business in the summer, but our actual net spend was very negligible. I had to bring in personnel to try to change the style and that’s not a one-window solution, that’s probably two or three-windows. This window will be quiet for us,” Lampard admitted.
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Zapacosta is in talks with Lazio over a deal that might see the Italian return to Serie A.
According to reports on Sky Italia, the defender might seal the deal reported to be around £13m. Zappacosta signed for Chelsea 18-months ago and has featured for paltry 18 minutes in the Premier League. His total appearances for the Blues is 10 across competitions.
He has two-and-half years remaining in his current contract.