Chelsea boss Frank Lampard spoke to reporters today, and ruled out any chance of Ross Barkley leaving Stamford Bridge this month, amidst links with West Ham, as quoted by Football.London.
The Mirror claimed last night that the Hammers want to sign the 26-year-old Blues ace on loan before the transfer window closes.
It appears as though West Ham won’t have a chance to sign the Englishman, however.
Barkley joined Chelsea from Everton in January 2018 for a fee believed to be worth £15 million (BBC).
He has struggled to establish himself in west London, however.
The 33-capped England international has managed just seven goals and six assists in 63 appearances for Chelsea.
Lampard sees Barkley as an important player, however, and told reporters how he doesn’t envisage a scenario where the midfielder will be leaving the club anytime soon, as quoted by Football.London:
“There’s no talk here of Ross Barkley going anywhere. He is our player, he played the last couple of games and he has done very well and because of certain circumstances, Ross hasn’t featured as much here. But, I have got a lot of faith in Ross. That was just news I heard like everyone else this week and I have no feeling towards it. I am very happy with him.”
And that will be somewhat of a blow for the Hammers.
Barkley is still a top player, despite having failed to impress during his time with Chelsea. And he could have made a big difference for West Ham between now and the end of the season.
It seems as though the east London outfit will have to focus on other targets now, however, following Lampard’s comments.
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