Everton join chase for legendary Chelsea and England star

Now with less than six months left to run on his current contract, Frank Lampard’s potential availability is alerting a host of well-renowned clubs.

And at the front of this queue is Everton, who, unlike Chelsea, are prepared to give the talismanic midfielder the security of a relatively long deal.

Whilst murmurings of a new one-year Chelsea contract have surfaced, Lampard insists he remains in the dark over his future at Stamford Bridge.

David Moyes is hoping to capitalise on this, and the Toffees boss is prepared to offer Lampard a three-year deal at Goodison Park.

To take up the deal, Lampard would have to remain within Everton’s set wage structure, which is capped at £80,000 per week.

But with his potential contract spanning three seasons, he could be willing to take a pay cut in order to join the Merseyside outfit.

Lampard is desperate to reach the 100-cap mark for England, and would be keen to continue playing at the highest level possible to ensure that his hope becomes a reality.

A more lucrative short-term offer could come from LA Galaxy, and such a proposition could prove difficult for Lampard to resist.

However, Roy Hodgson’s admittance that he would have to consider Lampard’s international future should he move to the MLS could deter the midfielder from an American switch.

He has remained in terrific form this season, finding the net 11 times in just 18 Premier League appearances so far.

Now just four goals away from equalling Chelsea’s all-time goalscoring record, the former West Ham trainee has become a legend at Stamford Bridge, hitting 198 goals in 12 trophy-laden years at the club.

And though Blues fans are baffled by the decision to let his contract wind down, owner Roman Abramovich remains stubborn in his stance regarding fresh terms for ageing players.

Now 34, the best he can hope for is a one-year extension to his Chelsea contract, so the option of a lengthier deal with Everton may prove too tempting.

Following in the footsteps of Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini, Lampard would fit the bill as the type of goalscoring midfielder Moyes likes to build his teams around.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.