Frank Lampard's Chelsea future has been thrown into doubt after he rejected a new contract offer, according to reports.
The
News of the World have claimed that the midfielder turned down the offer to become the Blues' highest-paid player in their history.
The newspaper said the deal would have seen Lampard pocket more than the £121,000 a week enjoyed by Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko, as the midfielder has the right to buy out his contract thanks to new FIFA rules.
With European giants Juventus and Barcelona circling, a £15million price tag will not hinder any potential deal. Juventus, now managed by former Blues boss Claudio Ranieri, have made their interest known, but Barcelona are still favourites to land the England star.
Indeed, some reports have claimed that Portugal star Deco would be used as bait to lure Lampard to the Nou Camp.
Lampard admitted last week he would have liked to have been offered a deal earlier on.
'They don't have to offer me anything so I'll just carry on,' Lampard said.
'In an ideal world, it would have happened three weeks ago but it is not an ideal world.
'It feels strange. It is something I am trying to keep my mind off. You get on with it. I am not surprised by it because nothing surprises you in football.'
