With Eden Hazard's departure looking ever more likely, the Blues will have no choice but to look through their academy and work with what they've got. With a transfer ban likely to prevent them from making any signings, now is the time for Chelsea to place their faith in the youngsters. And one man who will surely be knocking on the door to make his case, will be Mason Mount.

The 20-year-old has been in stellar form this season whilst on loan at Derby County, and has revelled under the leadership of Blues legend Frank Lampard. The England U21 international was at the heart of the Rams' play-off comeback against Leeds at Elland Road last week, and has showcased many of the abilities that marked him out as one of Chelsea's best prospects.

With Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffering an agonising Achilles injury that is likely to rule him out for much of next season, Mount's return to Stamford Bridge is incredibly welcome. Both Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi proved a point to Maurizio Sarri in the closing stages of the season; that belief and trust go a long way in getting the best out of young talent. Indeed, such was the duo's influence before their respective injuries, that it would not have been a stretch to say that barring Hazard, the pair were Chelsea's best players.

With Sarri-ball tending to favour a three-man midfield, Mount may not get the chance to be used in his favoured no.10 role. But, as part of a deeper trio, the Chelsea academy product could become a vital source of goals, and cause opposition teams huge problems with his late runs into the box. After all, he's learning from the best when it comes to that at Pride Park.

So whilst Chelsea might despair at the prospect of not being able to make any blockbuster signings this summer, perhaps it's come at the right time for them. With 11 goals and six assists this season, Mount has shown that he has the ability to change games at decisive moments, whether it's a beautifully timed finish, or a clever assist to his teammate.

Indeed, his performance at a hostile Elland Road was evidence of something even more important than just his technical quality. It showed his temperament and willingness to embrace the pressure, and with Chelsea seeking to make a Premier League and Champions League push next season, Mount will only relish that.

Sometimes in life, you don't see something even if it's staring at you right in the face. For Chelsea, all these years of ruing the departure of Frank Lampard, has seen them miss the obvious. The next Lamps isn't playing somewhere abroad in some fresh foreign field. But he's been with the Blues all along, and his name's Mason Tony Mount.

Chelsea fans, would you have Mason Mount as part of the side's first-team plans next season? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below...