Manchester City’s efforts of keeping Frank Lampard at the Etihad any longer than his agreed loan spell will be hindered by New York City FC.
The MLS club expects their high profile summer signing of this season to be back during their pre-season training after his loan spell expires at their sister club by January.
Lampard wanted back for pre-seasons at New York City FC
Since his arrival at City, Lampard has proved to be a valuable asset in the middle. The 36-year-old netted the equaliser against his former club Chelsea last weekend and also netted a brace during City’s emphatic 7-0 win over Sheffield in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
And his impressive showings have generated speculations that City boss Manuel Pellegrini might be interested in extending his deal in order to keep him in the Premier League longer than his initially signed loan deal.
But sources close to New York City FC have emphasized that they want him back in the new year after they build their marketing strategy and sold tickets due to his transfer.
However, NYCFC coach Jason Kreis has rubbished these stories surrounding the former Chelsea man.
“There is no truth in this rumour at all,” he said.
The two clubs will make the decisions
Lampard did not want to get too far ahead of himself, saying he would let the two clubs make the decision.
“I’m contracted here until the start of January and that is how it is at the moment,” he said.
“More than that, I don’t know. The argument (about me staying) has only come up since I scored at the weekend. The important thing for me is to train well, play well and then see what happens.
“I signed on here until January so that is all I can say. When I signed for Man City on loan, six weeks or so ago, it was always until January and that is the way it remains so I wouldn’t want to get too far ahead of myself,” he concluded.
Although the MLS season commences on March next year and with Lampard already looking sharp with his game time at the Etihad it is understood that he won’t be needing a pre-season. But the NYCFC club officials have viewed him as their biggest acquisition, even more than former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker David Villa and they want him available for their training camp and a series of warm-up games.
Even if there has been no move from City’s end, it appears that they will have to be satisfied with only five months of service from the former England International.