Frank Lampard, Oxford Reportedly Discussed Vacant Manager Position

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has reportedly held talks about becoming the next manager of Oxford United.

Lampard, who played for West Ham United, Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League before calling time on his playing career in February, is meeting with the League One side about the vacancy in their dugout, per Sky Sports News HQ.

Oxford are "seriously considering offering the former England midfielder a first job in management," according to the report.

The report also revealed how Lampard would face some strong competition for the job: "Lampard is just one of a number of candidates along with Pep Clotet, who was Garry Monk's assistant at Swansea and Leeds, and more interviews are scheduled."

Perhaps significantly, Lee Sobot of the Yorkshire Evening Post has noted how Leeds United's No. 2 Pep Clotet appears the strongest candidate:

Sobot also named the current Oxford assistant manager as another likely choice to assume the senior job:

However, Lampard could yet have the inside track, though, according to Anthony Chapman and Alex Crook of The Sun: "Lamps is good friends with Oxford's director Dave Jones, who is leading a three-man panel to find their next manager."

Going to Oxford would represent an intriguing and smart way for Lampard to begin a career in management. Dropping down to the third tier of English football would be an ideal way for the 39-year-old to cut his teeth as he learns a new trade.

Lampard would develop his managerial skills away from the glare of Premier League audiences. He would be at a club that finished eighth and narrowly missed making the play-offs on the watch of new Leicester City assistant Michael Appleton last season.

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If he succeeds, Lampard could follow the likes of Robert Martinez, Brendan Rodgers, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche, who have moved up the leagues to become Premier League bosses in recent years.