Luis Enrique flies in for Chelsea talks but Frank Lampard could be a caretaker option

Luis Enrique has flown to London as Chelsea step up talks over their next head coach but the club have not yet ruled out appointing a more experienced caretaker until the end of the season if their preferred permanent candidate does not want to jump straight into the hot seat.

That could open the door to the possibility of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard being offered a shock return to take charge of the team until the end of the season but sources are adamant that scenario is simply a consideration at this stage.

Lampard sat behind co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley at Stamford Bridge in co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali’s box on Tuesday night to witness Chelsea’s goalless draw with Liverpool, which immediately prompted speculation.

Chelsea are in contact with Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann, who are rated as the early favourites for the full-time post, but will try to hold talks with up to five candidates – including Mauricio Pochettino – and remain open minded on who might emerge as best suited to the post.

Reports in Germany have indicated that Nagelsmann might prefer to wait until the summer and Chelsea’s commitment to a thorough and exhaustive process could mean there is not an imminent long-term appointment if numerous interviews are required.

Equally, Chelsea are prepared to act fast in attempting to speak to all the names on their list and will not waste any time if it becomes clear that a candidate emerges as their top choice.

Bruno Saltor was made acting head coach following the sacking of Graham Potter and took the team for the Liverpool game. No timescale has been put on how long he will be in charge for and Chelsea may consider a more experienced caretaker, such as Lampard, if it becomes clear they will not make a swift full-time appointment.

Crucially, Lampard has experience of managing in the Champions League with Chelsea and his presence would guarantee a lift in the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea travel to Spain for the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next week, with the return leg taking place at Stamford Bridge on April 18.

It is unclear whether Lampard, who was sacked by Everton at the end of January, would be interested in a caretaker role at Chelsea until the end of the season and nothing has been offered to him at this stage.