Frank Lampard is thought to plotting a return to management, with Crystal Palace a potential destination, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Palace on the hunt for a new manager

The Eagles are looking to replace Patrick Vieira after sacking the Frenchman last week. U21s coach Paddy McCarthy took the side in the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, leaving Palace just three points above the relegation zone and still winless in 2023.

The club have reportedly been in contact with former manager Roy Hodgson, with the 75-year-old ‘believed to be keen on returning to Palace and a deal could be formalised quickly if all parties can reach an agreement.’ Adi Hutter has also been spoken to, with the former Borussia Monchengladbach manager currently out of work.

The Latest: Lampard news

The Sun’s Andrew Dillon shared an update regarding Lampard in the last 48 hours, saying he ‘has itchy feet’ and is ‘plotting a return to management despite recent heartaches’.

The report said that the 44-year-old ‘will watch summer developments closely, when both Crystal Palace and Leicester could face upheaval.’

The Verdict: One to watch?

Lampard has Premier League experience as a manager with Chelsea and Everton and actually has three wins out of four against Hodgson and two out of three against Vieira. He likes to play an attacking 4-3-3 formation, something which Vieira used on a number of occasions earlier in the season in home wins over Aston Villa and Leeds United.

The Englishman has taken charge of 95 fixtures in the Premier League, averaging 1.37 points per game in total. That sort of form could see Palace secure safety between now and May, but it looks as if he is looking at a return in the summer.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has also been full of praise for Lampard, saying:

'He's been very important to me. He brought me to Derby, gave me the playing time and I learnt so much under him there before coming back to Chelsea and continuing my learning.

'I have nothing but praise and gratitude for everything he's given me as a player on and off the pitch. I've definitely grown as a player as well so he obviously means a lot to me.'

It could well be one to keep an eye on, especially as Lampard was linked with the Selhurst Park job back in 2021 before pulling out of the race which led to Vieira’s eventual appointment.