Chelsea mum over Lampard's future

The England midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the season and this has led to a flurry of speculation regarding the 34-year-old's future.

Frank Lampard

That intensified when Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay was quoted as saying talks had begun with Lampard - a move that will be welcomed by fans frustrated by the fact that the club's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has yet to offer the Blues hero a new contract.

However, Gourlay told Chelsea's website on Tuesday: "I am not prepared to discuss this at this time. Obviously, conversations must remain confidential between the club and the players at all times so that is as much as I can say."

Lampard has been a central figure at Chelsea for 12 years.