Last Updated: Tue, 06 May 2008 13:28
Chelsea are reportedly close to tieing England midfield star Frank Lampard down to a new three-year deal to stay at the club.
Lampard was widely expected to be on his way from Stamford Bridge this summer with Barcelona or Real Madrid known to be keen on taking him to play in Spain.
The 29 year-old only has another year left to run on his contract and talks seemed to be deadlocked with no resolution in sight. There has also been speculation suggesting he could invoke a FIFA rule and buy out the last year of his contract which would allow him to then move to one of the La Liga giants.
However, Lampard is believed to have indicated that he is now ready to sit down and discuss a new deal at the end of the season, which would be music to the ears of all concerned at the club.
Lampard was recently rocked by the death of his mother Pat and that appears to have played a part in the decision which is likely to see him stay in west London.