Lampard looks beyond Kepa amid search for goalkeeper

Frank Lampard is reported to have identified two men he wants as a replacement for the Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea amid claims the Blues are actively looking to sell the struggling Spaniard.

Kepa – the world’s most expensive keeper at £71million – was dropped to the bench for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Leicester after a series of errors during the season so far and was replaced by 38-year-old veteran Willy Caballero.

According to Spanish outlet Cope, Lampard has lost complete faith in the Spain international and may not start him again for the rest of the campaign.

After the game at the King Power Stadium, Lampard explained: “It’s a decision I have not taken lightly. They train together, they are close and it’s one I thought I’d make for this game. I trust in Willy, he’s very professional.”

Furthermore, it’s claimed the Blues have actively made contact with a number of LaLiga outfits to see if they have any interest in taking Kepa off their hands in the summer.

In addition, it is also reported that Lampard has asked the Stamford Bridge board to start looking for a replacement immediately so that they can finalise a move by June.

And now the Daily Mirror claims the Chelsea boss has two names in mind as a replacement, with Premier League stars Nick Pope of Burnley and Crystal Palace’s Vicente Guaita top of his wish-list.

Signing either men will not come cheap, with Pope especially likely to command a huge fee were the Blues to prise him away from the Clarets.