John Terry challenges Chelsea over failure to agree new deal with Frank Lampard

Lampard will be out of contract in the summer

John Terry has expressed his dismay at Chelsea's failure to offer Frank Lampard a new deal.

Lampard looks certain to leave the club at the end of the season when his contact will expire. No new offer has been forthcoming and the England midfielder appears resigned to leaving, saying recently: "Maybe things don't last forever."

Fans and pundits have expresses surprise at the club's stance, with supporters chanting "sign him up" during Lampard's two-goal performance in a recent victory over Everton.

Club captain Terry, a highly influential figure at the club, has joined them - going as far as to suggest Lampard's shirt should be retired if he leaves the club.

Terry posted a picture on Instagram this morning of himself and Lampard holding the FA Cup with the accompanying comment:  "Devastated is an understatement. We should retire the number 8 shirt in honour of Lamps. #theheartbeat #hero #legend #hero #goalmachine #friend #ktbffh (keep the blue flag flying high) #cfc #chelsea."

The comment from Terry, who is currently sidelined by injury, is understood to be in response to quotes attributed to Lampard's agent Steve Kutner in the Italian media saying the midfielder would definitely be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. Kutner has since denied giving any such interview.

Terry later posted: "I have seen franks agents (sic) quotes on sky yesterday. That's all I'm going on nothing more."

Lampard has been linked with moves to Lazio and Inter Milan as well as a switch across the pond to the MLS.