Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has revealed he tried to sign Trevoh Chalobah on loan when he was Derby and Everton manager.

“I was looking forward to working with Trev, because I didn’t get that chance when I was here before”, said Lampard. “In my short period here, you look at the individual performances and I’ve been very happy. I tried to get him on loan when I’ve been working elsewhere.

“It’s been nice and I appreciate what a high-level player he is. The bigger picture is the way he’s applying himself since I’ve come back. He’s a delight to train with every day because he comes in with enthusiasm. He’s low maintenance, and when you talk about the things you want, he tries to do them on the pitch — which is a great thing.”

Originally a defensive midfielder, Chalobah is a centre-back by trade but can fill in at right-back too.

Asked about his best position, Lampard said: “He’s such a selfless lad. I don’t think he thinks: ‘I want to play in this position.’ Maybe that will become apparent. He’s played really well in a back three for the club in a really good period when he first got into the team, can play well as a centre-back in a back four, and is doing the right-back [at the moment].

“He’s always had that [passing ability]. He’s played as a No6 on loan, he steps into areas. You just fit that into the way you want to play. He can fill different roles for us; I think it’s a real big plus. He’s going to get a lot better.”