Frank Lampard closing in on next manager job with Chelsea legend and Dean Smith among finalists for position

FRANK LAMPARD is in line to return to football management, according to reports.

The Chelsea legend has been out of coaching work since his stint as the Blues interim manager at the end of last season expired.

GettyFrank Lampard is among the finalists for the Charlotte FC job[/caption]

GettyHe faces competition from former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith[/caption]

However, Lampard is now edging closer to a return to the dugout after being named among the finalists in the interview process for Charlotte FC.

The Major League Soccer side are looking to install a new manager after sacking head coach Christian Lattanzio, despite him guiding them to the playoffs for the first time in their history.

Charlotte lost 5-2 to the New York Red Bulls in the play-in and parted ways with Lattanzio, leaving them searching for a third full-time manager before the start of the club’s third-ever season.

According to The Athletic, Charlotte are now nearing the end of their interview process.

And Lampard, who has also managed Derby and Everton, is among the finalists for the vacancy.

However, he is not a shoo-in for the role.

That is because former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is also in the final hat.

Smith’s last managerial gig was coaching Leicester last season, though he could not help the club stave off relegation to the Championship.

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What may tip the balance in Lampard’s favour is his prior experience in the MLS.

The 45-year-old ended his playing career in North America with New York City FC.

TopBin90, who first reported the story on the Charlotte interviews, say a final decision will be made in the next two weeks.

AlamyLampard ended his playing career in the MLS with NYCFC[/caption]