Fiorentina Confirm Interest in Chelsea Midfielder

Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Montella has revealed he would be delighted if the Serie A outfit managed to land Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard in the summer.

The England international's contract with the Blues runs out at the end of the season and he has been linked to a host of clubs, with Sky Sports including Juventus, Monaco and Los Angeles Galaxy in the list with the Viola.

However, ex-Roma and Italy striker Montella hopes Lampard's destination is Florence, as he feels the 34-year-old could have an important role in his squad, as long as he does not demand to start every match.

"I'd love to work with Lampard. The fact that he likes Fiorentina is something to be proud of. He is a professional and in good shape. If he accepted the bench every now and again, he'd be useful to us," the 38-year-old said.

Fiorentina president Mario Cognigni had also stated his interest in signing Lampard. The Italian admits the Viola will have to battle it out for the midfielder's signature and but insisted that a bargain could be found while dealing with players over the age of 30.

"Lampard is a player I have always liked and may be an example of today's marketplace. A player who has passed 30 years, his contract is expiring, and he may be the right combination between experience and cost of the deal," Cognigni pointed out.

Lampard scored during Chelsea's 4-0 win over Stoke City at the Britannia at the weekend, to take his tally to seven goals from eight Premier League starts this season.

Cole Plans United Talks - Report

Meanwhile, Chelsea wing-back Ashley Cole will reportedly open negotiations with Manchester United in the summer as he continues to explore his options.

Cole, like Lampard, will be out of contract at the end of the season. The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 32-year-old of late and the player is now keen to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson, according to the Mirror.

The defender can sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England this month, with the Daily Mail reporting that Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also understood to be interested in his services.