Lampard to join the Tinkerman in Monaco?

Frank Lampard could be jetting off to join the Tinkerman according to the Daily Mail.  Claudio Ranieri who is the  Monaco manager is keen to be reunited with the Chelsea star.  Ranieri was responsible for bringing the England midfielder to Chelsea when he picked him up from West Ham in 2001 for what must have seemed like a lot of money at £11 million but Lampard has more than paid that back by now.

Lampard's contract negotiations haven't begun in earnest yet but that is more down to the reluctance of the Stamford Bridge club to open talks than anything else.  Lampard therefore may be free to leave at the end of the season after putting in place a pre-contract agreement during the upcoming transfer window.

Monaco who are currently in the second tier of French football have recently been linked with many high profile players including David Beckham.  It is widely expected that the club, in second place in Ligue 2, will get promoted.  It is thought that there will be a huge influx of players to the club.  Many have attributed it to the style of football Ranieri wants to play, or the beautiful scenery in southern France but I've got a feeling it has to do with the Russian oil billionaire who has taken over the club and the fact that the principality of Monaco is a tax haven.  But maybe I'm being too cynical....

Peter Stickney

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