Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says Ross Barkley is going nowhere during the January transfer window amid reported interest from West Ham.
The 26-year-old midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, leading to rumours of a reunion with the man who handed him his professional debut at Everton.
Lampard rules out a Barkley-Moyes reunion. Five things to know…
- According to the Mirror, Moyes was keen on renewing his relationship with Barkley.
- Barkley progressed through the Everton ranks during Moyes’ reign and made his professional debut under the Scot.
- He moved to Chelsea in 2018, but a combination of injury problems and inconsistent performances has led to scarce playing time.
- West Ham need new recruits to stave off the threat of relegation, but Lampard has ruled out a January exit for Barkley.
- The Hammers are currently outside the bottom three but only by the single point and are 7/2* to go down this season.
*Odds provided by William Hill, Squawka’s partner for the 2020 January transfer window. You have to be 18+ to gamble. For more information, go to GambleAware.org
Moyes is in the market for a central midfielder this January but has already failed in his efforts to bring Gedson Fernandes to east London, with the Portugal international opting for a move to rivals Tottenham Hotspur instead.
And any hopes of a reunion with Barkley have been dismissed by Lampard, who feels the Liverpudlian still has a role to play for his side during the second half of the season even though he’s been restricted to seven Premier League outings this term, registering no goals (from eight shots) and the same amount in assists (from 11 chances created).
A serious injury earlier in this campaign saw Barkley miss a string of games. He has started in six matches, but completed a full 90 minutes on just two occasions, including last time out against Burnley. With the 26-year-old back to full fitness Lampard is adamant there’s a role for Barkley to play as Chelsea look to secure a top-four finish.
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“There’s no talk here of Ross Barkley going anywhere,” Lampard told reporters. “He’s our player, he’s played the last couple of games and done very well.
“There’s certain circumstances why Ross hasn’t featured as much this year but I’ve got a lot of faith in Ross. I’m very happy with him.”
Lampard’s comments will come as a blow to West Ham, who are in need of midfield reinforcements – with Jack Wilshere a long-term absentee and question marks over Carlos Sanchez’s capabilities in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Lampard has also poured cold water on suggestions that another of his players could leave Stamford Bridge this month.
Willian’s contract expires at the end of the season but the Chelsea boss has confirmed that the Brazilian is locked in “ongoing” talks over an extension.