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Lampard coy over talk of extended City stay

Jason Cairnduff / Reuters

LONDON - Frank Lampard insists he is yet to hold any talks about extending his loan spell at Manchester City.

Lampard signed for Major League Soccer side New York City following his release by Chelsea at the end of last season, but then made a surprise return to the Premier League on a short-term deal with champions City.

His loan spell at Eastlands is due to expire at the start of January, but Lampard's impressive form so far this season has led to reports that City manager Manuel Pellegrini might try to keep the former England midfielder for longer.

The 36-year-old made it three goals in two games with a brace and a man-of-the-match performance in City's 7-0 League Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.

That followed his emotional equaliser in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea, the club he joined in 2001 and for whom he is the record goalscorer.

The MLS season does not begin until March and, with Lampard match sharp already, it has been claimed he will not need a pre-season in America.

"That argument's come up since I scored at the weekend," Lampard said.

"I think the important thing for me is to play well if I can, train well and then we'll see what happens. I'm signed here until January so that's all I can say at the minute."

Pellegrini said recently that it was "not impossible" he would seek to extend Lampard's stay, but the player himself remained coy on the subject.

"I wouldn't want to get too ahead of myself. It's not my place to do that," Lampard said.

"That will obviously be a club decision first and foremost anyway. I'll just train as hard as I can and play as well as I can."

Lampard was expected to play a supporting role, with City hardly short of top-class midfield talent.

But if he continues in his present form it will make it difficult for Pellegrini to leave him out too often.

"It's a funny one for me because my intentions were to have a longer holiday and then train maybe on my own with a fitness coach," said Lampard.

"I was in pure holiday mode when I got the call to come back here. I've had a really good pre-season now.

"Considering I wasn't involved in the first few games, that's been extra training time for me.

"I feel good and I'm just actually really enjoying training and playing.

"The lads are great, the people behind the scenes have welcomed me, the staff, the manager. It's been an easy transition."

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