Benitez coy on Frank Lampard rumours

On January 8, 2013

Frank Lampard seems set to depart Chelsea at the end of the campaign.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has refused to be drawn on speculation linking veteran midfielder Frank Lampard with a move to Manchester United.

Lampard is out of contract at the end of the campaign and Benitez has recently back-tracked on his comments that indicated the club would not offer the England international a new deal by stating the midfielder could yet secure an extension depending on his form.

I think it’s too early to talk about teams and the future. He’s playing for us and I’m pleased with him.

Rafael Benitez on Frank Lampard

However, Chelsea are no closer to tying Lampard down to a new contract and speculation suggests Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is weighing up whether or not to offer the 34-year-old a one-year deal in the summer.

United are not the only club that have been linked with Lampard. Italian giants Juventus also thought to be keen and there have been rumours of interest from China.

Benitez has refused to be drawn on the rumours and has backed Lampard, who scored in the 5-1 FA Cup win at Southampton on Saturday, to continue to give his all to Chelsea between now and the end of the campaign.

“I think it’s too early to talk about teams and the future. He’s playing for us and I’m pleased with him,” Benitez told reporters.

The Spaniard added: “He’s doing well. He’s working very hard. I want the best from him. If he carries on scoring goals I’ll be really pleased about it.

“As professionals, we have to focus on our job. He’s really focused. He’ll try to carry on performing on the pitch.”

Chelsea take on Swansea City in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday and can be backed at 4/9 to secure the win and a first-leg advantage.

Swansea are priced at 7/1 to seal the victory and the draw is 15/4.

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