Pellegrini wants to extend Lampard's stay at City

LONDON - Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to extend Frank Lampard's loan spell with the Premier League champions.

Lampard, who was released by Chelsea at the end of last season, has made a positive impression after joining Pellegrini's side on a short-term loan from sister club New York City.

That arrangement is due to expire at the end of December with the plan for the 36-year-old then to report to New York for pre-season training ahead of the new club's first Major League Soccer campaign.

But Lampard's form has raised the possibility of the loan being extended and, with fellow midfielder Yaya Toure set to play at the African Cup of Nations from January, that would especially benefit City.

Pellegrini, from his point of view, wants Lampard to stay in Manchester but he is also aware of the bigger picture concerning City's bold project in the MLS and he also wants to respect the player's wishes.

"Before December finishes we will have a decision but, as I repeat, I think Frank is a very important player for us and I hope we will not have any problems for him to stay here," Pellegrini said on Friday.

"But I cannot say just from one side what will happen with him.

"He has a loan just until the end of December and there is another club involved. The MLS is involved also. There are a lot of parties with an arrangement. It's not just depending on one opinion.

"But I hope we can have a decision as soon as possible because it's important for us and the players."