Former Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins has responded to recent speculation linking Frank Lampard with a move to Manchester United by saying Old Trafford would be an "ideal" destination for the departing Blues midfielder given the way United coach Alex Ferguson has extended the careers of Ryan Giggs, 39, and Paul Scholes, 38. With both players likely to retire at the end of the season, he says Lampard would make the perfect replacement.

"He's getting older but the knowledge of how to play the experience he's gained over the years will always stand him in good stead,” Wilkins said. "You only have to see the performances Giggs and Scholes themselves have put in over the last few years, and they are four years older than Frank." He added that Lampard could also be another source for goals for the Red Devils, who “lack goals from the middle of the pitch.”

Lampard has won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and one UEFA Champions League title in his 12 years with Chelsea.