Chelsea news: John Terry and Frank Lampard hold long meeting with Roman Abramovich’s right-hand woman Marina Granovskaia as emotional Stamford Bridge return edges closer

JOHN TERRY and Frank Lampard have moved a step closer to a sensational return to Chelsea.

SunSport can exclusively reveal the two former players held a long meeting with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia on Thursday.

Times Newspapers Ltd

Getty

The Russian has become Roman Abramovich‘s most trusted director and is responsible for contract negotiations with the club’s star players.

Both former stars are considered legends at the club and it has long been presumed they will return to Stamford Bridge in some capacity in the future.

Terry is currently Aston Villa captain, with the Birmingham club currently chasing promotion to the Premier League, while Lampard has been assisting with the youth teams at Cobham.

Both are working towards completing their coaching badges.

Getty - Contributor

PA:Press Association

PA:Press Association

SunSport reported yesterday how Terry dropped in to Chelsea training at Cobham and watched from the dugout as boss Antonio Conte put the players through their paces.

The ex-England international was in good spirits while chatting to his former manager as he watched on dressed in jeans and a smart coat.

YOU’RE JOK-ING Shock replacement lined up to replace Antonio Conte

He was pictured laughing and joking with Conte, as well as assistant coach Carlo Cudicini, who played alongside Terry in west London for nine years.

And his attire was more in-keeping with boardroom blazers than a training ground tracksuit.

Terry, 37, left the Blues last summer after 23 years at the club, following Chelsea’s fifth Premier League title win.

Now with Aston Villa, he has been in excellent form for his new club this season.

Steve Bruce’s side sit third in the Championship after a run of just one defeat in their last nine and the third-best defensive record in the division.

Terry’s future in the Midlands is still to be decided with the centre back out of contract in the summer.

But the manager’s job could prove to be too much too soon – and Conte may not be out of the Stamford Bridge door as in the summer, as many expect.

PA:Press Association

Times Newspapers Ltd

SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday how the Italian could keep his job – even without a top-four finish this season.

Two league defeats in a row to rivals Manchester United and City have dropped the Blues to fifth, five points behind Tottenham.

And they face an uphill battle to stay in the Champions League with a tough second-leg in Barcelona looming next Wednesday.

But owner Roman Abramovich is ready to keep his head coach as long as he curbs the moaning about transfers.

Conte’s whinging over spending, about having no money to compete with Manchester City and his consistent negative attitude in public has become wearing for the club’s top brass.

A Stamford Bridge insider revealed: “Roman is not so trigger-happy these days when it comes to firing managers.

“Champions League football is important but not a deal breaker.

“These days Roman wants to give his managers every opportunity.

“The stress point could be if Antonio starts complaining again.

“People are growing weary of it all.”

How the summer warchest works out could prove pivotal on Conte remaining at Stamford Bridge.