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Former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri was one of the contenders to replace Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea before he ruled himself out.

According to ESPN reporter Paolo Bandini, Allegri ruled himself out of the running for the Chelsea job because he would not have total control over the club’s transfer policy and also because of the transfer ban imposed on Chelsea.

Allegri’s decision to rule himself out of the Chelsea job left the way clear for Chelsea legend Frank Lampard to take over.

Chelsea would be unable to sign any new players this summer after being handed a two-window transfer ban, although the club has lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

With Eden Hazard leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid, Chelsea’s new manager would be unable to sign a replacement.

“Max Allegri was discussed as a possible target for it,” Baldini said, according to The Sun.

“My understanding was he wasn’t so keen to go to a club where he wouldn’t have control over transfers, where he wouldn’t have the opportunity to go out after targets he wanted.”

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have called Lampard and assured him that the club will give him two years to prove his worth. It is believed Lampard has accepted to be Sarri’s replacement.