Frank Lampard says he tried to sign Jude Bellingham as Chelsea manager but board turned him down

Frank Lampard claims he tried to sign Jude Bellingham when in charge of Chelsea — but was denied by the club's board.

Bellingham has become an international superstar since moving to Real Madrid, where he has made a record-breaking start.

In 14 appearances, the 20-year-old has already scored a jaw-dropping 13 goals and it has led many to believe he is the best player in the world on current form.

So there might be a tinge of regret at Stamford Bridge where Bellingham might have been strutting their stuff — if Lampard got his way.

Speaking on ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel's podcast, the England legend revealed he told board members that they should sign the youngster after breaking through at Birmingham.

However, after being priced at over £20million, his request was denied by Chelsea supremos.

He told the Obi One Podcast: «When I was managing at Chelsea (first time) I was desperate to bring Jude Bellingham in.

»But I couldn't get it through upstairs — the idea of paying £20m for someone his age (at the time)..."

Lampard took over in 2019 at Chelsea when he was given the reins for the first time at the club.

At that time, Bellingham was still yet to make his debut for Birmingham but went on to make 44 appearances in all competitions that season.

It led to intensive transfer speculation, including from Manchester United where Sir Alex Ferguson showed him around the club's Carrington training complex.

It turned into a straight shootout between the Red Devils and Borussia Dortmund, one that the latter would emerge victorious from.

But it might have been a different story had Chelsea taken heed of Lampard's advice and entered the transfer race.

Bellingham has since gone on to become one of the biggest players in the world and won the