Lampard sick of Chelsea rumours; offers simple response to Man Utd links

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard insists his side have not made any bid for free agent Angel Gomes amid the midfielder’s exit from Manchester United on Tuesday.

United have confirmed Gomes is leaving Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract, with the midfielder’s services now in demand.

Reports have claimed Chelsea are keen on the England Under-20 star, but Blues boss Lampard rejected any such interest.

Asked if Chelsea have made a bid for Gomes, Lampard said: “Yes, I can elaborate to the point that it’s never been mentioned at my end; so that’s it.”

And, when pressed on any interest, Lampard added: “No.”

Chelsea face West Ham on Wednesday, looking for a sixth straight win in all competitions.

Further reports claim the Blues are eyeing a summer move for West Ham star Declan Rice.

But Lampard has opted to keep tight-lipped on any Chelsea interest for the 21-year-old too.

“Declan Rice is a good player, you’re right, and I’ve known Declan Rice for a long time, as he was in the Chelsea academy, but there’s no talk,” said Lampard.

“I keep saying, about every player we’ll be asked about. Until these games and this season is finished, there’s nothing to say.”

LAMPARD: KANTE CAN CONTINUE TO BE KEY

Elsewhere, Lampard vowed that midfielder N’Golo Kante will retain “huge” importance for Chelsea for some time to come.

The World Cup winner has been crucial for the Blues in winning two Premier League titles since his arrival.

“For N’Golo, since he has been here has shown his attributes and qualities mean that he can play in pretty much any role in midfield that you want him to.

“He is an incredible player, I keep saying it and I mean it: he is huge for this club. He has been huge and he will be for a long time and I am happy with him.

“It is not just about N’Golo, but I have got other midfield players and a lot of competition in midfield, but at the moment N’Golo is doing a really good job there.”

Chelsea sit in fourth in the Premier League table with seven games to go.