Lampard set for Blues talks

By Peter ORourke  

Lampard set for Blues talks

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Chelsea are set to open talks with Frank Lampard over a new deal after this summer's World Cup finals.

The Blues are keen to tie down their star midfielder to a new long-term contract to ward off potential suitors of the England international.

The recent arrival of Michael Ballack at Stamford Bridge has raised question marks over Lampard's future with some suggesting he may move on.

However, Lampard's agent Steve Kutner revealed he has spoken to Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon about a new deal for the former West Ham man.

"I have spoken to Peter Kenyon and we are looking to sit down shortly after the World Cup to continue talking about a new contract for Frank," Kutner told the News of the World.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are being linked with a shock move for Manchester United star Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Blues chief Jose Mourinho is in the market for a new striker with doubts hanging over the futures of Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba.

Milan ace Andrei Shevchenko is widely thought to be Chelsea's top target, but they could face a fight for his signature with the Italian side determined to keep hold of their talismanic striker.

Reports now claim Mourinho could switch his attentions to van Nistelrooy who looks almost certain to leave Old Trafford after a fall-out with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Van Nistelrooy was axed for the final game of the season against Charlton and also missed Roy Keane's testimonial after a row with Ferguson.

United are ready to let the Dutchman go and they could consider a deal with Chelsea as they are thought to be keen on Blues forward Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Gudjohnsen is down the pecking order at Chelsea and he is hoping to move on for regular first team football.

Ferguson is thought to be a big fan of the Icelandic international and could try to engineer a swap involving van Nistelrooy for Gudjohnsen.