Lampard, Drogba, Kalou all staying, says AVB

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has denied speculation linking Frank Lampard with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

The England international had been linked with a sensational transfer to Manchester United last week, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham, but the Portuguese is adamant the midfielder is going nowhere.

He told reporters: “He’s going to be here for sure. Yes, long-term.”

As well as Lampard, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, both of whom are out of contract at the end of the season, have also been mooted with moves away from west London.

However, Villas-Boas is confident the Ivorians, who are away with the national squad at the Africa Cup of Nations, will be Chelsea players at the end of the transfer window.

“They will return to this club from the African Nations and hopefully we will hold on to them until the end of the season,” added Villas-Boas.

“That’s our intention, and I think their willingness as well.”

A deal is also yet to be done for unsettled defender Alex, who handed in a transfer request to the club last month, although Villas-Boas did confirm that talks were progressing.

“From what I know from my chief executive there’s been an approach from a Premier League club, I think there’s just ongoing talks going on,” he said.

“As you know we have respected Alex’s transfer request so the market is of course open for him, and we’re just trying to reach the level of proposal that is suitable for a player of this magnitude, so we have to wait and see if anything happens.”

“Nothing has happened up until now, but as a player we have accepted his transfer request so we will listen to all offers available.”

Villas-Boas has also stated he want his players to stop talking about catching Premier League leaders Manchester City and go out and do it on the pitch.

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League and are 11 points behind City after 20 games so far this season.

Villas-Boas said: “The problem is you have to show it on the pitch. At the moment, we have exhausted ourselves in words.”

“It’s time for us to get a practical run of victories to make our title challenge together. We are trying to begin that.”