Chelsea in contract talks with Lampard

Chelsea are in talks with Frank Lampard over extending his contract according to the club’s chief executive Ron Gourlay.

The 34-year-old midfielder had previously been told he would not be offered a new deal, with his contract due to run out at the end of this season.

However, Chelsea have reportedly performed a u-turn, and are set to offer the veteran England international an extension following his impressive performances so far in 2012/13.

“Discussions with Frank Lampard are ongoing. But they must be kept confidential at this stage,” Gourlay told the Mirror.

Lampard is believed to be desperate to extend his 12-year stay at Stamford Bridge, with his sights set on representing England at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, while he only needs four more goals to eclipse Bobby Tambling’s all-time Chelsea club record of 202 goals.

Gourlay also commented on the uncertainty surrounding interim manager Rafael Benitez after a turbulent week for the Spaniard.

“It was the club’s plan to have Rafa Benitez as the interim manager with the aim of securing a Champions League position at the end of the Premier League season,” he said.

“We’ll assess (the) situation then. We can still win the Europa League and the FA Cup, but make no mistake, our priority lies with a Champions League spot.”