Frank Lampard set to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge…
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Chelsea are on the brink of agreeing a deal with their veteran English midfielder Frank Lampard, to keep the 35-year-old at Stamford Bridge for at least one more season, reports the Express.
Lampard’s contract expires this summer, and rumours were circulating that the legendary midfielder could end his 13 year tenure with the Blues.
In that time, he’s made a whopping 648 appearances since his £11m transfer from West Ham – in which he’s scored more Chelsea goals than any player in history with 211. For this reason, he’s quite rightly regarded as a Premier League great, and is travelling to the World Cup this summer with England in hope of adding to his 103 caps and 29 goals.
Lampard’s currently on £150,00k per week, but is thought to be willing to take a significant cut in his basic salary so as to stay with the club where he was once regarded as one of the world’s very, very best. In 2005, Lampard actually came second in the voting for the Ballon D’or, the award that recognises the best player on the planet.
Lampard’s long-serving club captain John Terry also agreed a contract extension last week, and it appears that manager Jose Mourinho is keen for his midfielder to follow suit.
Ashley Cole is being allowed to leave on a free, with multiple clubs chasing him, and while there would also be no shortage of suitors for Lampard either, the midfielder has always claimed that staying with Chelsea would be his first option.
Last term, Lampard was used sparingly, making 20 Premier League starts, although he was given nine matches from the beginning in the Champions League. He notched seven in all competitions, and registered five assists as well.
With the likes of Nemanja Matic, Ramires and the fit again Marco van Ginkel all competing for central midfield spots, it’s likely that Lampard’s role in the squad next year will be as a backup to the first XI – and will provide great influence and experience for the younger players.
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