Frank Lampard delivers Dries Mertens transfer update over Chelsea's January deadline day plans

Frank Lampard has said that Chelsea will not be signing Dries Mertens in the closing hours of the deadline day.

The Blues have been desperately searching for a new striker in order to ease the burden on top goalscorer Tammy Abraham as they look to stay in the top four positions of the Premier League.

Chelsea have been linked to a number of players including Moussa Dembele, Edinson Cavani and Timo Werner.

One of the latest names to be linked in Napoli striker Dries Mertens, with the Blues said to be in talks with the Italian club over a possible deal.

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The Belgian is out of contract at the Serie A side but is only a few goals from breaking the goalscoring record at the club and is reported to be keen to stay and see out his contract there.

Chelsea were hoping to convince Mertens to make the move to the Premier League during January, but speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Leicester, Lampard has stopped any hope that a deal may be done.

When asked if Mertens could be arriving at Stamford Bridge, he gave a one word answer: "No."

Mertens has played 22 times in all competitions so far this season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists.