Lampard urges Chelsea

Frank Lampard said today Chelsea need to make a swift decision over whether to sack Claudio Ranieri.

The Italian coach is widely expected to go with Porto's Jose Mourinho favourite to replace him.

Speaking at England's Euro 2004 training camp in Sardinia, Lampard made it clear he wants an end to the speculation. He said: "The sad fact has been that it's lingered over us all season. It's made it a little bit difficult. A good thing would be to get it sorted either way now."

Lampard also warned Chelsea against another influx of players to match the spree following last July's takeover by Roman Abramovich.

"There will be changes but they should not be wholesale because we have got to know each other," he said.