Frank Lampard’s future at Chelsea us still up in the air after coach Avram Grant admitted he was not involved in the negotiations aimed at keeping the England midfielder at the club.
Lampard, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-3 Carling Cup win over Leicester last night, has yet to commit himself to a new long-term deal – sparking fears he will quit the club.
But Grant would not be drawn on the state of play over Lampard’s contract which expires in 18 months’ time.
Grant said: “Frank is very important for the team. He likes to do things to a high level that is his target and our target.
“I am not involved in the money situation. They are negotiating and at the end of the day they will find a solution. Frank wants to stay at Chelsea and Chelsea wants Frank.
“Frank says it all the time. It is only negotiating. It is not a football matter.”
Lampard has so far turned down all attempts by Chelsea to persuade him to sign a new contract and the longer he delays the greater the fear that he will buy himself out of the remaining year of his contract next summer.
