Lampard delays contract talks again - so he can concentrate on football

Frank Lampard has dropped a bombshell on Chelsea's preparations for the new Premier League campaign by demanding his contract talks are put off until next summer.

Lampard is frustrated because talks have dragged on through the summer without agreement. Now he has ordered his advisers to end negotiations so the issue does not distract him from his football.

By the time the England midfielder has ended the season, potentially after the European Championship in late June, he will have less than 12 months on his contract.

His value on the transfer market will be greatly reduced and he will be six months away from being able to sign an agreement to join an overseas club on a Bosman free. Barcelona, who have tracked Lampard's situation for two years, will be among those interested in the latest twist.

Lampard said: "I have always expressed my desire to stay at the club but we've had problems with the negotiations. They've gone on for quite a long time and now the season is starting I've told the club I don't want to get involved in negotiations that are not going to end well while I'm playing. 'I had that towards the end of last season and I didn't enjoy it."

With John Terry injured, Lampard is set to captain Chelsea as they open their season at home to Birmingham on Sunday. "People have talked about inflated figures but money is not an issue," said Lampard.

"This is my last contract, my biggest contract and I want to get it right. I want to stay at Chelsea for the rest of my career and I hope it gets sorted out at the end of the season."

Terry became Britain's highest paid footballer this summer when he signed a five-year deal worth £135,000 a week.

Lampard, currently on £105,000 a week, would argue he deserves at least the same because of the role he has played lifting Chelsea to the top of the English game.