LA Galaxy keen to add Chelsea superstar to their ranks
Published:David Beckham last night ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract at LA Galaxy, which should see him to the end of his playing career.
In the aftermath of Beckham’s commitment, the club are now eager to offer another world-famous Englishman the chance to see out the twilight days of his career in Los Angeles.
Chelsea icon Frank Lampard, linked earlier in January with Manchester United before the re-emergence of Paul Scholes, has been identified as a chief target as the American club look to further enhance the reputation of the game Stateside.
Tim Leiweke, president of Galaxy owners AEG, told Sky Sports News, “I am a fan of Frank’s, I think he is a great player. When I think of Chelsea, I think of Frank Lampard.”
As MLS clubs are allowed to identify only three ‘Designated Players’ who can earn outside the parameters of the strict wage restraints placed on the rest of the squad, Lampard has been identified as the player Galaxy would like to take up the third slot alongside Beckham and Robbie Keane.
Beckham himself has backed the possibility of his former England teammate joining him in LA, telling Sky Sports News, “If he does decide to walk away from Chelsea, then of course which club would not want him? The owners are very persuasive, so of course there is a chance.”
Lampard, who has 18 months left to run on his £150,000 a week Chelsea contract, could enhance this salary should he opt to make the move across the pond, and with his first-team opportunities coming more irregularly than at any point in his Stamford Bridge tenure, the move may be less far-fetched than first thought.
With 11 goals to his name already this season, Lampard clearly still has plenty to offer at the highest level, but could consider one final payday as his career draws to a close.
