Pellegrini keen to extend Lampard loan

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has made clear he wants to prolong Frank Lampard’s loan and hopes a decision can be made soon.

Former England international Lampard, who was released by Chelsea at the end of last season, has made a strong impact after joining the champions on a short-term move from sister club New York City.

That arrangement is due to expire at the end of December, with the plan for the 36-year-old then to report to New York for pre-season training ahead of the new club’s first Major League Soccer campaign.

But Lampard’s form has raised the possibility of the loan being extended and, with fellow midfielder Yaya Toure set to play at the African Nations Cup from January, that would especially benefit City.

Pellegrini wants Lampard to stay in Manchester but he is also aware of the bigger picture concerning City’s bold project in the MLS and he also wants to respect the player’s wishes.

Pellegrini said: “Before December finishes we will have a decision but, I think Frank is a very important player for us and I hope we will not have any problems for him to stay here.

“He has a loan just until the end of December and there is another club involved. The MLS is involved also. There are a lot of parties with an arrangement. It’s not just depending on one opinion.

“But I hope we can have a decision as soon as possible because it’s important for us and the players.”

Pellegrini has warned his team they cannot afford to let their intensity drop as they travel to struggling Leicester today. City will be expected to brush aside bottom side Leicester at the King Power Stadium today but Pellegrini claims there can be no complacency.

The Chilean said: “Maybe it has been a difficult start for them but I think Leicester are a very good team.

“They beat Man United and they lost against Liverpool, but in a game they played also very well.

“We are not thinking about which position they are in the table. We are thinking about if we want to win, we must play the same way we are doing in the last weeks.”

Foxes manager Nigel Pearson insists he is realistic but believes they can shock City. “I’m looking for us to perform as well as we can, for the players to give themselves the best chance of winning. We’re here to play the big sides.”