FRANK LAMPARD has not been approached by Chelsea about a new deal.
Lampard’s representative denied fresh talks have been held — or that new negotiations have been scheduled.
Blues have given them no signal that their stance about him leaving this summer has changed. Lamps’ agent Steve Kutner said: “Nothing has changed regarding Frank’s situation at Chelsea.”
That news will come as a bitter blow to Blues fans who are desperate to keep the England superstar at Stamford Bridge after his current contract ends in the summer.
Lampard, 34, has been in scintillating form ever since SunSport broke the bombshell news on Boxing Day that Chelsea would not offer him a new deal.
His goal for England against Brazil on Wednesday night made it eight in his last 12 games for club and country.
Lampard, who is now free to start negotiations with foreign clubs, has made it clear that he would prefer to finish his career with Chelsea.
But with the club failing to hold any formal talks about an extension, he is resigned to having to leave in the summer after 12 years in the No 8 shirt.
Chelsea have refused to explain to fans why they are prepared to release the most consistent player in the club’s history.
Saturday’s strike at Newcastle was his 197th in 587 appearances — leaving him just five behind club record scorer Bobby Tambling.
Now it seems that only the personal intervention of Roman Abramovich can stop Lampard leaving.
The Russian owner is aware that angry supporters have bombarded the club protesting at the way their favourite player has been treated.
And he knows a new deal for Lampard could take the sting out of the full-scale fan protest over his appointment of interim manager Rafa Benitez.
With Lampard mulling over lucrative offers from LA Galaxy, China and the Middle East, England boss Roy Hodgson made it clear that leaving Europe would effectively end his international career.
Lampard said: “I’m very understanding of where I’m at in my career, but if I can continue playing for Chelsea then the next World Cup is certainly a target for me.”
The Sun
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