Gerrard rejects approach from Derby to replace Chelsea-bound Lampard in show of loyalty to Rangers

STEVEN GERRARD has reportedly rejected an approach from Derby County about quitting Rangers to replace Frank Lampard. The Rams appear to be resigned to losing their manager as Chelsea close-in on making their all-time top goalscorer their new boss. But the Championship club are already making contingency plans as they await a formal offer from […]

STEVEN GERRARD has reportedly rejected an approach from Derby County about quitting Rangers to replace Frank Lampard.

The Rams appear to be resigned to losing their manager as Chelsea close-in on making their all-time top goalscorer their new boss.

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But the Championship club are already making contingency plans as they await a formal offer from the Premier League giants.

And The Times claim they have identified Lampard’s former England team-mate as a potential successor.

However, their advances have led to a firm rebuff from Gerrard, who is only 12 months into a four-year contract at Ibrox.

And that would put an end to the age-old debate over who was better out of Lamps and Stevie G – for now at least.

The 39-year-old is well underway with his plans for next season and has already brought in four new players.

And he has no interest in leaving the Glaswegian giants for Derby as he works out how to topple Celtic and become Scottish Premier League champions.

Gerrard, who closed the gap on their bitter rivals to nine points last season, is targeting a genuine title challenge after the Hoops lost Brendan Rodgers to Leicester earlier in the year.

He does have long-term aspirations of managing in the English top-flight, but the Liverpool legend is in no rush.

Gerrard reportedly believes success with Rangers would help him earn a crack in the Premier League rather than a stint in the Championship.

His disinterest will come as a blow to Derby, who could struggle to find a big-name replacement for Lampard.

John Terry is another potential target, but after reportedly snubbing the chance to speak with West Brom and Middlesbrough, he looks set to stay as Aston Villa No2 for the upcoming campaign at least.