I want Lampard to stay at Man City, says Pellegrini

Thegoalmac can reveal that Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says he wants Frank Lampard to extend his stay at the club, but can't guarantee he will remain with the Premier League champions.


The former Chelsea midfielder is on loan from MLS side New York City but has been a hit at the Etihad Stadium, scoring six goals in 14 appearances.

Pellegrini admits he would like the 36-year-old to remain at the club but has warned he may not be able to keep him.

"We’ll see. It is not just our decision,” he told reporters. “Of course I want him to stay but I can't say 100% at this moment."

The City boss did have good news regarding goalkeeper Joe Hart and midfielder James Milner who are close to extending their deals with the club.

"I hope it is all finished [Hart contract extension]," he said. "Maybe in the next couple of days we will have news.

"[On the possibility of Milner signing a new contract] There are a lot of things to decide... Yes I think [he will stay]."

City face Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime, where a win will see them move level on points with leaders Chelsea, who play on Monday, but they will once again be without several key players.

"It’s important to add three points. What happens with Chelsea is not our duty," he said.

"Vincent is recovering from his injury but he is not fit for tomorrow. We are also without [Stevan] Jovetic, [Edin] Dzeko, [Sergio] Aguero. We must change the way we play, a different system.”