It appears that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich may have changed his mind over the future of Frank Lampard. Sources at Stamford Bridge tell the Daily Mail that last week the club opened talks with Lampard about a contract extension, indicating that Abramovich, who is under pressure from fans following a string of poor results as well as the unpopular appointment of Rafael Benitez as manager, has had a change of heart since telling the 34-year-old midfielder to find a new club towards the end of last year.

The talks, while “positive”, are preliminary, the report says, although the sources claim that formal offer will soon be on the table. As a 12-year servant to Chelsea, Lampard is undoubtedly popular with Blues fans, but a string of strong performances since his return from injury in early December has caused both Abramovich and England coach Roy Hodgson to consider sticking with the aging star, who has seven goals in his last nine EPL games. The Blues midfielder also scored a stunning winner in England’s 2-1 win against Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, news of Abramovich’s change of heart could send the Los Angeles Galaxy, which is still seeking to replace David Beckham, back to the drawing board. Despite the MLS club’s lucrative a two-and-a-half year offer, Lampard has repeatedly said that remaining at Chelsea would be his first choice—although that hasn’t been an option until now.