Chelsea 'committed' to keeping Frank

Lampard's future has come under the spotlight yet again after he appealed to the club to sort out his contract situation. The midfielder ideally wants to bring negotiations to a conclusion before the end of the season.

His current deal expires in the summer of 2009, and Kenyon said: "I think anything is realistic - I just don't want to add to more speculation counting down each day to the summer,"

He added: "I think the discussions that we have with Frank will be kept private and that's important. I think both parties have made it absolutely clear that we want to find a resolution to this and hopefully we will do that sooner rather than later.

"We are committed, as is Frank, to finding the right solution to keep him at Stamford Bridge."

Chelsea coach Avram Grant, whose own future has been under scrutiny in recent weeks following their Carling Cup final defeat by Tottenham and the shock FA Cup exit at Barnsley, hinted in an ideal world he would love Lampard's situation to be sorted sooner rather than later.

"Of course, when you want a player for next season, you want that everything is done," said Grant. "But it is a negotiation between the club and the player.

"I have said my opinion, so have the club and Frank, so I am sure at the end of the day that it will be okay.

"I want Frank in the club and I said that when he was injured. I know he is more popular because he scored four goals but my opinion of him has not changed over the last five months.

"Frank always give 100% for the team. This is the reason the club want him. Frank is good for Chelsea and we want him here."