Lampard signs to Chelsea for life

Last updated : 13 August 2008 By Paul Lagan

Frank Lampard has put pen to paper and signed a new five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Lamps had being tempted by the prospect of joining Jose Mourhino at Inter Milan.

Frank was originally offered a £130k a week four-year deal but preferred to chance his arm abroad.

The death of his mother late last season put a cloud over his final decision and, at last, the England midfield star has decided that it's Chelsea where he will end his career.

He had the option of seeing out the last year of his contract and join Inter for free next season.

He could also have bought out the remaining year of the contract but in the end, he wanted to stay closer to his father and is now heading towards legend status at SW6.

His new deal will be in the region of £125k a week.

The next to sign will be Didier Drogba who will also sign a new four-year deal.

Like Lampard Drogs was tempted to ply his trade in Italy, this time at AC Milan.

But any move to the San Siro will depend on Chelsea upping the fee to £100m for Kaka.

Chelsea would prefer to trade-in Andriy Shevchenko instead of Drogba and pay a lower price for Kaka but it looks as if AC Milan don't want Drogba and Roman Abramovich does not want to part with buddy Sheva.

This will leave Drogba will no option but to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The re-signing of Lampard and the attempt to take Kaka will open the door for Joe Cole to move to Aston Villa.

The Midlands club are certain that they will be able to offer Cole regular first-team football and Cole might well be tempted to take his boots out of London and fight to preserve his status as an England regular - something that will be in doubt in Chelsea's congested midfield.