Frank Lampard to be offered new Chelsea contract

Reports claim the Chelsea midfielder will be offered a new contract following goal against Brazil

Frank Lampard will be offered a one-year extension to his current contract according to reports today.

The midfielder scored a stunning goal at Wembley last night as England beat Brazil 2-1, raising further questions over how Chelsea could allow the 34-year-old to leave when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

Despite enjoying a fine season which has seen him score 14 goals for the Blues this term, the European champions have consistently maintained that the midfielder will not be offered a new deal.

However, if reports emerging today are true, it would appear they have had a change of heart and are prepared to hold on to the midfielder signed from West Ham for £11m in 2001.

It's claimed talks over a new deal began last week after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had a change of heart. Discussions are still in the preliminary stages.

Sources close to the deal have said the talks are "positive" according to the Daily Mail.

Despite being linked with a host of clubs, particularly in Italy and the LA Galaxy in the US, Lampard could be keen to remain in the Premier League following last night's comments by Roy Hodgson.

The England manager sounded a warning to the midfielder about leaving these shores, and the impact it could have on his international career.

“I hope we will keep Frank in England,” Hodgson said after last night's win. “I know he will have a lot of offers if Chelsea do decide they're prepared to let him go. I'm rather hoping we'll still see him if not in England then Europe which will make my task easier.”

David Beckham left Europe in 2007 to join LA Galaxy, hampering his England opportunities.

“If he goes further afield and follows David, it complicates matters but it doesn't mean your career is over with England,” Hodgson said. “But the further afield you go, the more problematic it gets for the media and the England manager to follow you.”

Lampard is just six games away from joining international team-mates Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard in the England centurion club.