Exclusive - Graeme Le Saux: Frank Lampard stalling over new Chelsea deal

Graeme Le Saux believes it’s Frank Lampard, rather than Chelsea, who’s stalling over a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

The England midfielder’s contract expires in the summer and he is yet to sign an extension, with reports suggesting MLS side LA Galaxy and a number of clubs in China are keen on securing the 34-year-old’s services.

Most reports claim the Blues are unwilling to offer the Three Lions star a fresh deal but Le Saux, who played with Lampard for the west London side, claims the former West Ham man is the one who is weighing up his options.

“Chelsea have had quite a hard time in the press with everyone saying they are mad to let him go and should definitely offer him a new contract,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show.

“I’m convinced, though, that Chelsea have sat down with Frank’s people, as they did with Ashley Cole, and offered him a new deal.

“Frank has a professional decision to make and that’s what we, in the media, and the fans forget. He’s got two or three years left playing. Does he go further afield and earn vast amounts of money and secure his financial future? Or does he look at a longer-term plan and think ‘well, I will sacrifice some of the financial rewards to cement the final years of my career playing for a top class team’?

“That’s a decision he has to make. I know what I would do. When you look back over your career you look at those landmarks and think, 'well, that is what my career was about'.

“Whatever decision he makes it will be based on his real feelings and you have to respect that because he’s been an incredible player.

“He’s in a great position because he’s got so many options. He showed against Brazil how valuable he is as a player.”