Chelsea not in talks with Lampard over new deal

LONDON (AFP) –

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard scores during the English Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park in Liverpool, on December 30, 2012.

Frank Lampard admits Chelsea have yet to start talks with him over a new contract as the England midfielder enters the final months of his current deal.

Lampard underlined his enduring quality with both goals in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Everton, but the 34-year-old remains likely to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Although Lampard helped Chelsea win the Champions League last season and is now just one goal behind the club’s second-top goalscorer of all time, Kerry Dixon, it has been reported for some time that no new deal will be forthcoming for the former West Ham star as the Blues try to lower the age of their squad.

Los Angeles Galaxy, Chinese Super League side Guizhou Renhe and Premier League strugglers QPR have all been linked with a move for Lampard.

And, asked by BBC Sport whether he would be around at Chelsea long enough to equal or beat Dixon, Lampard said: “I’m only one behind so hopefully I’ll beat that, but you never should count your chickens.

“At the minute there is nothing been said and my contract’s till the summer. I’m enjoying playing, I’m working hard in training, I’m loving being part of the team and the ability we’ve got in the team.

“That’s all I can tell you at the minute, and that’s fair enough for me, I’m happy just to keep playing well and contributing to winning games.”

Chelsea’s supporters would love Lampard to stay but, asked if he had sat down with Blues officials to discuss a new deal, he said: “No.”