Tuesday 5 March 2013

Conflicting Reports Around New Contract Offer to Lampard

There have been conflicting reports emanating from Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay's press conference in Bangkok as to whether the club are set to offer Frank Lampard a new contract.

Stories spread earlier today suggesting Gourlay had confirmed the Blues were in "ongoing talks" to offer the 34-year-old an extension to his current deal which runs out in June.

However, Chelsea have since distanced themselves from that speculation insisting that they are not in discussions with the player and that any negotiations would "remain confidential."

Gourlay has been in Thailand as part of a promotional drive to launch Chelsea's pre-season tour of south-east Asia.

At a press gathering at the Renaissance Hotel, Gourlay is quoted as saying that, "Discussions (with Lampard) are ongoing, but must be kept confidential at this stage."

Chelsea have since denied any talks have taken place.

The indecisiveness will hardly bode well with the Chelsea support who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the club hierarchy in recent months.

The decision to appoint Rafa Benitez as interim manager has not gone down well and nor has the decision to let Lampard go after twelve years of sterling service.

Prior to Christmas the players agent––Steve Kutner––suggested that "in no circumstances" would his client be offered terms to prolong his stay and the England international was then linked with a number of lucrative moves away.

Getting rid of Lampard would do little to soothe relations and a new deal for the Chelsea legend will partially appease resentment ahead of an important climax to the season.

Lampard has been as consistent as ever during a turbulent season for the Blues, scoring 13 times to take him to 199 career goals for the club.

He is now just four away from breaking Bobby Tambling's all-time record of 202, and even if the former West Ham player doesn't pass that milestone this term, the Blues fan base are united in their wishes to see the vice captain stay on past the summer.

Lampard's resurgence means he will play a key role in whatever Chelsea achieve before the campaign draws to a close, with the European champions focusing on a top four Premier League finish.

They also travel to play Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday before visiting Manchester United for an FA Cup quarterfinal tie on Sunday.

Should Chelsea be offering Lampard a new contract and what role do you think he can play for the club moving forward? Send me some comments at the bottom of the page and let's discuss.

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Read more Chelsea news on BleacherReport.com

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