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Lampard wants new Chelsea deal
13/03/2008 19:57 - (SA)
London - Frank Lampard has served notice to Europe's top clubs that he could be available at the end of the season by voicing his frustration over Chelsea's failure to offer him a new contract.
Lampard, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, had been widely expected to agree a new contract that - given that he turns 30 in June - would effectively mean he finishes his career in west London.
But after his four-goal display in Chelsea's 6-1 demolition of Derby on Wednesday, the England midfielder criticised what he sees as foot-dragging by the club's hierarchy.
"I've been approached a few times by the club saying they are going to come to me with something and they haven't," Lampard said.
"That means they're saying they will have to wait until the summer and I don't really know what that means. I said at the beginning of the season I didn't want to talk about my contract because I wanted to concentrate on my football.
Wants to know what is going on
"They have made contact but it hasn't been with any news. They've been saying that something is going to happen but if we wait until the summer and nothing happens, then I've got a year left, which is not a position I want to be in.
"I've made it clear I want to stay here and I want to know what's going on. I love playing for this club, I'm enjoying the greatest days of my career.
"Every time I run out for the club I don't think about the contract but when I am at home I would like it to be sorted out. It's dragged on this season and that's not ideal for me."
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has voiced confidence that Lampard will stay while simultaneously insisting that contract negotiations are not his responsibility - a stance that is unlikely to impress a player who was extremely close to Grant's successor Jose Mourinho.
Under Mourinho, Lampard was instrumental in Chelsea winning back-to-back Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup and the chances of the two being reunited once the Portuguese coach finds a new club now appear to have increased.
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Rugby
