Frank Lampard’s agent has denied reports that Chelsea has started negotiations over a contract extension. In an interview with The Sun, Steve Kutner, Lampard’s agent, said: “Nothing has changed regarding Frank’s situation at Chelsea.” In other words, the 34-year-old will be leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer, when his contract with the Blues expires.

Meanwhile, England coach Roy Hodgson has complicated matters by indicating that he would be reluctant to call on Lampard should he move outside of Europe at the end of the season. "If it's not going to be Chelsea – and from what I've read and heard there is a chance of him moving on – I'm rather hoping he'll still be either here or in Europe because that will make it easier for us to keep picking him,” Hodgson said. “If he does take the David Beckham route and go over to America that doesn't rule him out as such, but you will understand it does make life a little bit more difficult.”

Lampard is unlikely to play for another Premier League team, and his only offers thus far have been from the US (LA Galaxy), China and the Middle East.

“I’m very understanding of where I’m at in my career, but if I can continue playing for Chelsea then the next World Cup is certainly a target for me,” he told The Sun.