Did Chelsea's chief executive Ron Gourlay reveal contract talks are 'ongoing' with Frank Lampard?

The midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer, has been linked with a move to Manchester United

Frank Lampard applauds the Chelsea fans (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay was quoted today as publicly confirming the European Champions are in talks with Frank Lampard about extending his contract.

The England midfielder's current deal expires in the summer and it was understood he would not be offered a new deal.

However, Chelsea's chief executive was quoted today as saying talks with the 34-year-old are "ongoing", raising the possibility he will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the current campaign.

"Discussions are ongoing and must be kept confidential at this stage," Gourlay was quoted as saying at a press conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Bangkok, where the chief executive is confirming details of the Blues' summer tour.

Yet Chelsea have clouded the situation by releasing a statement with what they claim Gourlay actually said in Bangkok.

The statement quotes Gourlay as saying: "I am not prepared to discuss this (Lampard's future) at this time.

"Obviously conversations must remain confidential between the club and the players at all times so that is as much as I can say."

There has been a huge swell of feeling among Chelsea fans who want Lampard to stay, while captain John Terry has also expressed his desire to see the midfielder remain.

The former West Ham player has been in sensational form this season, scoring 11 goals in his last 19 appearances.

A move to the MLS with LA Galaxy as well as possible switches to China and Italy have been mooted.

However, after England's recent friendly against Brazil, in which Lampard scored, England manager Roy Hodgson indicated he would prefer to see Lampard remain in England.

With the 2014 World Cup on the horizon, it was a warning that won't have been missed by the player himself, raising the possibility that Chelsea could see one of their most decorated players move to a Premier League rival.

It has been suggested that Manchester United would be among those interested in signing Lampard, a possibility that could have influenced Chelsea's u-turn.