Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has already decided to sell Jorginho ahead of the summer transfer window, Manchester United hero Gary Neville reckons. The Italy international made his first appearance since the Premier League returned in Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
In the absence of N’Golo Kante, Lampard opted to start youngster Billy Gilmour instead of Jorginho.
The midfielder, who was signed by Maurizio Sarri, made a brief cameo at the end of their win at Palace.
And Neville says Chelsea boss Lampard is ready to sell the Italian in the summer.
“You have to think that he [Jorginho] is being managed out of Stamford Bridge,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“I think it’s been clear from the moment Frank Lampard came in that he wants to build a young and hungry squad.
“Look at the way David Luiz was let go.
“With the way Jorginho has been dealt with, it’s quite clear where Lampard wants to take the team.
“When you think of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp over the last few years, they don’t veer away from the plan for any player.
“Frank Lampard has got a clear plan.”
Chelsea ace Jorginho is a target for Juventus ahead of the summer transfer window, with Sarri keen to reunite with his former midfielder.
The Blues’ win at Palace on Tuesday put them in the driving seat to secure a top four finish this season.
Chelsea are then hoping to challenge for the Premier League title next time out, with Lampard already signing Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
However, Neville says Chelsea need some players with grit and determination in their line up if they want to win the title.
He added: “That’s the thing about this Chelsea team, it’s a good team, it’s promising, they’ve got lots of talent, but to get where they need to be or want to be in terms of winning a Premier League title, they just have to become a little bit more robust.
“They’re still a little bit soft-centred. It’s acceptable I think with the journey they’re on and a lot of young players.”
Chelsea are back in action on Saturday evening against Sheffield United in the Premier League.