Lampard in squad to play Sunderland despite loan deal expiring at midnight

Frank Lampard is a part of the Manchester City squad that will play against Sunderland on New Year's Day, though the terms of his loan deal should make that impossible.

Lampard's loan from nascent MLS side New York City FC comes to an end at midnight tonight, at which point he would, technically, be ineligible to play for City any longer.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini has long maintained that he would like the veteran midfielder to remain with the club throughout the season, and his inclusion in the squad suggests that an agreement has been reached to make that happen - despite the lack of an official announcement as of yet.

"He is in the squad list for tomorrow," Pellegrini said during a press conference, as reported by Richard Jolly of ESPN FC.

"I said during December we will know what happened with the future of Frank Lampard. It is important for him to stay with us. Today we finish December. I hope today we will have news."