Frank
Lampard says there is no chance Ross Barkley will leave Chelsea this month
amid reports West Ham are keen to sign the England international.
Hammers manager David Moyes did not rule out a move for Barkley when asked
about him this week, saying "anything which we think will improve our side I
will be interested to bring in".
The 26-year-old has been out of favour for most of the season and in
November was criticised by Lampard for a "lack of professionalism" after
being pictured shirtless in a Dubai nightclub.
Barkley was also troubled by an ankle injury earlier in the campaign but has
returned to the Chelsea side this month, impressing in the wins over
Nottingham Forest and Burnley.
"There's no talk here of Ross Barkley going anywhere," insisted Lampard.
"He's our player, he's played the last couple of games and done very well.
"There's certain circumstances why Ross hasn't featured as much this year
but I've got a lot of faith in Ross. I'm very happy with him."
Lampard also confirmed conversations are still ongoing over extending
Willian's contract, with the Brazilian's present deal expiring at the end of
the season.
He has played 27 times for Chelsea this season, and Lampard said: "Willian
is not going anywhere.
"We know his contract is up at the end of the season. He's in conversations
with the club. They're still ongoing. There's no news on that but he's our
player now."
Lampard 'tried to sign James for Derby'
Chelsea were handed a boost this week when Reece James became the latest one
of their young stars to sign a new long-term deal at the club.
He has made 20 appearances for the Blues this season after impressing on
loan at Wigan last year, and former Derby boss Lampard says he has long been
aware of the right-back's talent.
"I rate him very highly. I knew him as a youth player in the academy here,"
explained Lampard. "I saw him on loan last year doing fantastically well at
Wigan. I tried to get him to Derby but he couldn't come mid-season.
"But I admired him a lot and working with him I feel the same. He's got his
foot into the first team and I think there's a lot more to come from Reece
James.
"Really talented player, he wants to learn and wants to train. Great for the
club that he's signed."
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