• Premier League

Confusion over Lampard as Gourlay goes quiet

ESPN staff
March 5, 2013
Frank Lampard is in the final year of his contract © PA Photos
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Ron Gourlay insists the future of Frank Lampard will be decided in private talks between the player and the club, after it was claimed talks were "ongoing" over a new contract.

Lampard, 34, is in the final year of his contract and is expected to leave in the summer, which was reinforced when the club said they would not be extending his deal.

The England international has maintained his desire was to extend his stay, and he has delivered some impressive displays this season with 11 Premier League goals scored to date.

On Tuesday, Gourlay was quoted as having said at a press conference in Bangkok that discussions are "ongoing" with Lampard, leading to suggestions he could yet prolong his stay in West London.

However, Gourlay refused to be drawn on the future of the midfielder when he spoke to the assembled media in the Thai capital.

"I am not prepared to discuss this at this time," Gourlay said, according to the Chelsea official website. "Obviously conversations must remain confidential between the club and the players at all times so that is as much as I can say."

After signing for Chelsea from West Ham for around £11 million in 2001, Lampard has made 633 appearances in all competitions, scoring 199 goals. That tally places him on three fewer than record holder Bobby Tambling.

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