The move is subject to the player agreeing personal terms and he will remain at the Dutch club for the remainder of this season but Lampard believes his squad will be boosted by ‘a fantastic player who scores goals and assists’ when he does make the move to the Premier League.

‘I know his qualities,’ said our head coach. ‘He’s a player we hope can bring creativity. He first came to my attention watching him play in Ajax’s Champions League run last year and I thought he was one of their standout players, particularly in the games against Tottenham.’

Chelsea supporters saw the 26-year-old’s quality at close quarters in our two Champions League group-stage meetings earlier in the season. In the second encounter at Stamford Bridge, Ziyech set up three of the visitors’ four goals, his dangerous deliveries from the right flank proving too hot to handle. They were performances that convinced Lampard he could add quality and depth to the Blues ranks.

‘This season, we’ve come up against him twice so I know a lot about him,’ added the boss. ‘He has a great left foot, plays generally off the right-hand side but can play in behind the frontman as well. When you look at us this season, there have been games where we’ve maybe struggled to unlock the door and he’s certainly a player who we hope can bring that bit of creativity.

‘He will be something different for us so we’re excited. I know he’s not coming in now but I think it’s exciting for us as a club and for the fans to know that he’ll be here next year.’

-Find out more about Ziyech and his style of play