Pellegrini, New York City FC fight over Lampard

New York City FC will oppose any move from Manchester City to keep Frank Lampard at the Etihad for longer than his agreed loan spell. Lampard has been a hit at City since his loan from their sister club in the MLS started recently, scoring once against Chelsea and twice in the rout of Sheffield Wednesday.

The 36-year-old’s impressive form has prompted suggestions that he may prove useful to City boss Manuel Pellegrini beyond the length of his current loan spell that is due to end in January.

Pellegrini has not ruled out the possibility of Lampard staying but sources in America stressed on Thursday that New York City FC expect their marquee signing to be in the States for pre-season training in the new year after building a marketing strategy around him and selling tickets due to his transfer.

The MLS season doesn’t start until March and there is an argument that Lampard won’t need a pre-season if he has been playing with City. However, it is understood that officials in New York see Lampard as their big sell this season — even more so than fellow summer signing David Villa — and want him available for their training camp and a series of warm-up games.

When asked about his future Lampard insists he is yet to hold any talks about extending his loan spell at Manchester City. “That argument’s come up since I scored at the weekend,” Lampard said.

“I think the important thing for me is to play well if I can, train well and then we’ll see what happens. I’m signed here until January so that’s all I can say at the minute.”

Pellegrini said recently that it was “not impossible” he would seek to extend Lampard’s stay, but the player himself remained coy on the subject.

“I wouldn’t want to get too ahead of myself. It’s not my place to do that,” Lampard said.

“That will obviously be a club decision first and foremost anyway. I’ll just train as hard as I can and play as well as I can.”

Lampard was expected to play a supporting role, with City hardly short of top-class midfield talent.

But if he continues in his present form it will make it difficult for Pellegrini to leave him out too often.

“It’s a funny one for me because my intentions were to have a longer holiday and then train maybe on my own with a fitness coach,” said Lampard.

“I was in pure holiday mode when I got the call to come back here. I’ve had a really good pre-season now.

“Considering I wasn’t involved in the first few games, that’s been extra training time for me.

“I feel good and I’m just actually really enjoying training and playing.

“The lads are great, the people behind the scenes have welcomed me, the staff, the manager. It’s been an easy transition.”