Roberto Di Matteo has hinted that he is holding Frank Lampard firmly in his long term plans with Chelsea, as the former Blue aims to rebuild the squad this summer.

Lampard has spoken of his desire to stay with the Blues and continue to contribute to the squad, despite the England international pushing 35.

His current deal with Chelsea runs out next summer, but in April he insisted that he wants to stay with the club for the long term, despite being connected with an exit for the MLS.

"I love Chelsea and, ideally, I will be here longer than just one more season," he said.

"I look at people like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs at Manchester United and see what they are still doing and I would love to do the same for Chelsea. I want to emulate them."

For Lampard, the question of leaving a big club like Chelsea would mean that he could well be sacrificing his place for England as well.

Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is needed at Chelsea, according to Roberto Di Matteo.

And for the midfielder, it seems the club want to keep hm as much as he wants to stay, with Talksport reporting Di Matteo saying: "Frank is a very fit man and can play for many years to come.

"He was very influential towards the end of last season maybe playing a little deeper role. He made some key passes and he performed very well.

"I was very happy. It depends on how he feels physically and mentally and I don't see any problems with him going on."

Lampard captained Chelsea in the Champions League final, in which the west London club overcame the odds to win and guarantee themselves a place in next season's tournament.

And with the side making some big name signings this summer, including Marko Marin and Eden Hazard, they can't be discounted for a serious contender for an ever-competitive top four spot in the Premier League table next season.

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