Sunday, January 06, 2013-Chelse are reported to be pondering bending rules to accommodate 34-year old veteran midfielder Frank Lampard with a new deal despite closing on the signature of Malaga’s Spanish U-21 play maker, Isco.
The blues had hitherto told Chelsea players above 30 years to find new clubs once their contracts runs out at Stamford Bridge but Lampard’s form at the club seems to have convinced Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to make a U-turn.
Lampard’s representatives have yet to hear from Chelsea, but the player is keen to stay in the hope of persuading the club to offer him a two-year deal.
The England international scored a penalty in Chelsea’s 5-1 FA Cup demolition of Southampton yesterday to go level with Kerry Dixon on 193 goals for Chelsea.
He is now just 10 goals shy of breaking Bobby Tambling’s club record of 202 – a mark Lampard is desperate to surpass.
Interim Blues boss Benitez said: “Frank is a good pro, he is doing well, he is under contract, and he is doing fine. I know they have conversations (over his contract) sometimes but the main thing for me as coach is to bring the best out of him.”
Meanwhile the scoring midfielder has emerged as a shock target for league leaders Manchester United who are keen to secure his services if the Blues fail to offer him a new deal over the summer.
Chelsea fans however can rest easy with the reported pursuit of Malaga starlet Isco who has also been linked with a move to United.
The Spanish club will be forced to sell some of their most prized assets in a bid to offset a huge wage bill which has seen them banned from taking part in the Champions League in advance.
The 20-year-old is an attacking midfielder who has scored six times for Malaga this season and has been sensational for Malaga in the Champions League.
Over the summer Malaga sold another gem in Santi Cazorla to Arsenal.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.