Roberto Di Matteo: Chelsea will never sell Frank Lampard

11 April 2012

Roberto Di Matteo believes Chelsea will never sell Frank Lampard and that the midfielder will see out his career at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United have been linked with a £10m move for the 33-year-old this month as his relationship with manager Andre Villas-Boas appears to have become strained in recent weeks.

A move for Lampard has already been dismissed by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, but Di Matteo insists the England international is not going anywhere anyway.

The Chelsea assistant boss said: "I am not surprised that another club may want him, but I can't see him leaving this club.

"Frank has been here for 10 years and has been a big part of our successful history at the club. He is part of our plans and is very important for us. He has been a fantastic player season after season for his club and country."

Chelsea are close to agreeing personal terms with Bolton defender Gary Cahill, who is being rested for their FA Cup Third Round tie at Macclesfield tomorrow.

Cahill was upset that details of negotiations had come out in the public domain with Villas-Boas revealing last week that they were 'miles apart' in what the 26-year-old was asking for and what the club was prepared to pay.

However, Cahill appears to be ready to make the move to west London after more talks were held in the last few days and Bolton boss Owen Coyle expects a deal to be completed 'by the end of the week'.

Di Matteo added: "The fee has been agreed and there are ongoing negotiations over personal terms. Obviously if we sign him and he is not cup tied, it would be better."

Cahill's arrival could also be well timed as Di Matteo confirmed captain John Terry has been playing with a knee injury in recent weeks and could be rested for their tie against Portsmouth on Sunday.

Branislav Ivanovic and John Obi Mikel are also still ruled out, but Chelsea are still planning to field a strong team.

Di Matteo said: "When you a have a Cup run it gives everyone confidence and can lift the environment and the supporters. It is a big trophy.

"Apart from couple of games we could have done better, but we're in a better position than the club was in last season."

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