Galaxy chief likes Lampard

LA Galaxy chief Tim Leiweke has confirmed that he would be interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

Lampard has had to fight for his place in Andre Villas-Boas’ side this season amid rumours of a falling out with the manager.

And while both club and player have denied talk of a Stamford Bridge exit for the 33-year-old, the Galaxy official has admitted he would jump at the chance to sign the England international.

“I am a fan of Frank’s, I think he is a great player. When I think of Chelsea, I think of Frank Lampard,” Leiweke told Sky Sports News.

The midfielder would most likely be signed as a ‘Designated Player (DP)’ meaning most of his wages would be paid by the MLS.

The ruling was introduced in 2007 and is nicknamed the ‘David Beckham Rule’, after the current LA Galaxy midfielder was the first player to be signed under the ruling which attempts to help MLS sides compete with foreign clubs while maintaining their strict salary cap rules.

Clubs are allowed three ‘Designated Players’, with Galaxy currently having Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and Beckham as their three.

Lieweke continued: “You should ask him (Lampard), it took us two years to get David here the first time, we are working on the next DP.”

“We are going to continue to work on the next DP and there are about half-a-dozen guys we have a good relationship with but first we have to have a lot and we don’t have a slot.”

“I am a big fan of his.”

Beckham, who has recently signed a new deal with the Los Angeles outfit also backed Lampard’s link with the Galaxy.

He added: “If he does decide to walk away from Chelsea, then of course which team would not want him?”

“The owners are very persuasive, so of course there is a chance.”