Blues cool Lampard exit talk
13 Mar 2008 - 10:01:10
Chelsea first-team coach Avram Grant has played down fresh speculation suggesting Frank Lampard will look to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old midfielder helped himself to four goals during Wednesday's 6-1 demolition of bottom club Derby County.
But afterwards Grant was adamant the England international's future remained with the Blues despite continued talk of a summer switch to Spain.
Lampard's future has been the subject of much debate after new contract negations were put on ice earlier in the season.
"The club wants Frank and he wants to stay so nothing has changed. As for the negotiations, that is not my area," he said.
"We plan something for next season and I can tell you that Frank will stay in Chelsea, I am almost sure about that. But when I speak with the players it is between them and me.
"He has scored more than 100 goals and I think he will score 150 for Chelsea, I am sure of that.
"Any player who plays like this is not easy to replace but he is a very important player for the team.
"He can score and he can also defend. The situation with Frank has not changed."
