Lampard 'will' start season at Chelsea

13 April 2012

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is confident that Frank Lampard will start the season at the club and hopes Real Madrid star Robinho will soon join him.

England midfielder Lampard has arrived here with the rest of the Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour of Asia and Kenyon says it is a significant statement of intent given the ongoing saga over his contract.

The 30-year-old, who has just 12 months left to run on his deal and has yet to agree new terms, is wanted by former manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

But Kenyon said: "It is an important statement he is on tour with us and we have always said that we want Frank to stay and we are confident he will.

"Everything comes back to Frank at the moment. He is here and he is training exceptionally hard for us. He is a big professional and we accept he is a key member of the team. No one is stalling over this, Frank isn't stalling and we are not stalling."

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has begun planning how his team will line up next season and has been in regular conversations with Lampard.

The Brazilian said: "I have spoken to him every day about how to win games, about the team, about what's the best way for Chelsea to play and what's the best position for him.

"He is training every day very well. The most important thing, however, is that he is here with us." Captain John Terry hopes the contract situation could even be resolved before the end of the tour, despite Lampard having so far turned down the offer of £140,000-a-week over four years.

He said: "The players and fans all want him to stay, but it's down to Frank and the club. We are here to focus on the football, but hopefully while he's here the club can sort it out."

Kenyon has also revealed the club are still in negotiations with Real Madrid over Robinho.

The Brazil international has indicated he wants to leave Madrid and Kenyon said: "It is well noted we have shown interest. We have had discussions with Madrid over it and they are ongoing."

But Kenyon denied reports Chelsea have made a world record bid for AC Milan star Kaka.

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Lampard 'will' start season at Chelsea

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