Lampard Says Barkley Will Stay at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has ruled out the possibility of Ross Barkley leaving the club during the January transfer window despite reported interest from West Ham.

West Ham manager David Moyes was reportedly interested in taking Barkley on loan after previously working with the England midfielder at Everton.

Lampard, however, insisted that the 26-year-old remained part of his plans at Stamford Bridge following his return from injury and an improvement in form.

Barkley had made only six Premier League starts during the season but impressed in Chelsea’s recent victory over Burnley after recovering from a foot problem.

“There’s no talk here of Ross Barkley going anywhere; he’s our player,” Lampard said.

“He’s played the last couple of games and done very well. I’ve got a lot of faith in Ross. I’m very happy with him.”

Lampard had earlier criticised Barkley’s professionalism following an off-field incident in Liverpool, but the Chelsea manager appeared satisfied with the midfielder’s response.

Olivier Giroud was another Chelsea player linked with a move away from the club, with Inter Milan reportedly interested in signing the France international.

Giroud had struggled for regular playing time since Lampard became manager, but the Chelsea boss praised the striker’s attitude and said any departure would depend on the right agreement being reached.

“If everything is right it might happen, but it’s not, so whilst it’s not he’s our player,” Lampard said.

Meanwhile, Chelsea secured the long-term future of defender Reece James after the 20-year-old signed a new contract keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2025.

Lampard praised James, who had established himself in the first team after spending the previous season on loan at Wigan Athletic.

“I rate him very highly,” Lampard said. “I knew him as a youth player in the academy here.”

The Chelsea manager also played down expectations of imminent January arrivals, despite reports linking the club with reinforcements in several positions.