Mourinho keen to keep Lampard at Chelsea

 

PA Photos Frank Lampard enjoyed great success under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea

Frank Lampard may stay on at Stamford Bridge, with a report in the Daily Star claiming negotiations over a new one-year deal have reached an advanced stage.

It is said Jose Mourinho - the likely candidate to replace Rafa Benitez at the helm - has convinced owner Roman Abramovich to keep Lampard around for another year. While MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy and Manchester United continue to be interested in signing the veteran midfielder, Lampard's agent Steve Kutner has remained in London to sort out a new contract.

Lampard this weekend became the club's all-time leading goalscorer with a brace against Aston Villa, a result which saw the Blues effectively clinch qualification for next season's Champions League.

Spanish media outlet El Mundo Deportivo report Barcelona could snare Brazil starlet Neymar for just ¬25 million. Real Madrid are also eager to secure his services, but it is stated that a deal with the newly crowned La Liga champions is near. Santos are unlikely to be satisfied the fee, but could struggle to drive up the price with only a year remaining on his contract.

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is already planning for life in the Championship. The coach has set his sights on a return to the Premier League, and believes Celtic's Gary Hooper can help him achieve that aim. The Daily Mirror claims Redknapp is prepared to pay up to £6 million for Hooper, who is heavily linked with a move away from the Scottish Premier League champions in the summer.

It is understood funds raised from the departure of striker Loic Remy after QPR take the drop would fund a move for Hooper, who is awaiting a new contract offer from Celtic.