World Kick Off

Chelsea have offered Frank Lampard a new £130,000 a week contract in a desperate bid to prevent the England midfielder from leaving.


The deal would put Lampard, who has one year on his current contract left to run, on the same salary as John Terry, the Chelsea captain.


According to the Daily Mirror, Lampard has stalled on signing a new contract for the past two years and is said to be considering a move to Inter Milan, who are expected to announce former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as their new coach this week. Lampard, who is on holiday in Dubai where he is considering his options, had a close relationship with Mourinho and played a key role in the Portuguese's Chelsea team that won back-to-back Premier League titles.

However, Lampard was deeply touched by the support Chelsea gave him when his mother died recently, and that could prove a factor in his decision over his future. Another issue that could sway Lampard's mind is Chelsea's choice of manager following the sacking of Avram Grant, with Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari and Dutchman Frank Rijkaard now said to be the frontrunners for the job.
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The Daily Express quotes a Chelsea source as saying: "Frank is tempted by the prospect of joining up with Jose again. They still have a really close relationship and Frank regards the period when he worked with Jose as the best time of his career. He still has a great affection for Chelsea, but he feels the time may now be right to move on.

"It is a massive decision. Frank feels indebted to the club for the way they supported him after the death of his mother."

By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 8:46am BST 02/06/2008