Chelsea stalwart Frank Lampard could make MLS move

Chelsea and England veteran Frank Lampard may be set to follow David Beckham’s footsteps and finish his career in the United States.

The 34-year-old could be set to call time on his 12-year stay in West London at the end of the season, when his current contract runs out.

Lampard has long standing admirers in Major League Soccer, and with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich continuing to insist on a one-year contract policy for over 30’s, he may decide the time is right to move stateside.

Abramovich’s insistence on offering take-it-or-leave it deals for senior players saw Didier Drogba move to China in the summer, and Lampard may be the next to follow suit.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has fuelled recent transfer speculation by stating his intention to bring the 93-cap Englishman to the American league.

“Frank Lampard’s a great player,” said Garber. “If he decides he wants to play in Major League Soccer, I’m sure any club would be happy to have him on their roster.

“I’ll go into the locker room and see if I can chat him up,” he added jokingly.

However, the MLS boss claimed he was not aware of any US club making an approach for the midfielder, confirming he would be involved in any negotiations as the player would need a salary cap exemption.

Lampard has enjoyed a hugely successful career at Chelsea since completing an £11m move from West Ham in 2011, picking up a raft of trophies whilst developing into a key player for club and country.

The Essex-born star helped bring the Champions League, three Premier League titles, four F.A. Cup’s and two League Cups to Stamford Bridge within the last decade.

And despite a peripheral role under Andre-Villas boas last season, the midfielder has made 10 appearances for Roberto Di Matteo’s side this campaign, scoring three goals.

But Lampard has been pushed into a deeper central position to accommodate Chelsea’s creative threats of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar this term.

And with the prospect of just a 12-month contract in the offing for his efforts, the Hammers graduate may be tempted with a longer-term deal in the US.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.