Chelsea Reveal Contract Talks With Frank Lampard

Chelsea Reveal Contract Talks With Frank Lampard
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Chelsea have opened talks with Frank Lampard over a new contract.

Chief executive Ron Gourlay, speaking in Bangkok at the launch announcement for Chelsea's summer tour to the Far East, said: "Discussions with Frank Lampard are ongoing. But they must be kept confidential at this stage."

The Blues supposedly made a U-turn last month when they approached Lampard's agent Steve Kutner.

Earlier in February reports suggested Chelsea had reneged on their initial decision however there had been no concrete clarification from the board until now.

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Lampard is a club legend at Chelsea

Lampard, whose contract expires in June, had previously been told he was free to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

However his impressive return to the first-team after injury has seen supporters implore the club to extend the 34-year-old's 12-year stay in west London.

The England international is on 199 goals for Chelsea - just three short of Bobby Tambling's club record.

LA Galaxy are known admirers however England coach Roy Hodgson urged Lampard against a transfer to the MLS if he wanted to continue his Three Lions career last month.

A three-time Premier League champion with Chelsea, Lampard has also won four FA Cups, two League Cups and a Champions League since he joined the Blues from West Ham for £11m in 2001.

UPDATE: Chelsea have since refuted the reports, adding that any talks with their players "remain confidential".