Frank Lampard is urging Chelsea to break the impasse over Willian’s contract stand-off before the January transfer window opens.
The 31-year-old Brazilian claimed on Thursday that he is yet to receive a fresh offer, although there is some confusion over the situation, with the club privately insisting talks are ongoing and terms have been discussed.
Lampard is not directly involved in contract negotiations but offers his recommendations to director Marina Granovskaia, in addition to technical and performance director Petr Cech. In this case, he has told the pair he wants Willian to stay.
Willian missed the start of the season with a hamstring problem but has quickly become a key fixture of Lampard’s team.
His existing deal, worth around £110,000-a-week, expires at the end of the season and foreign clubs will be free to negotiate directly from January 1 if no extension is agreed.
Lampard’s side host West Ham on Saturday, with Tammy Abraham (hip) likely to be replaced by Michy Batshuayi.
