Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists he will not sell Frank Lampard during the January transfer window.

Villas-Boas’s handling of Lampard has been one of the biggest talking points of his reign, with the manager often prepared to drop the England star.

Lampard, 33, has openly admitted his frustration at failing to earn a regular Blues starting place.

Manchester United were rumoured to be interested but Villas-Boas insisted: “Frank is not available at any price.”

And Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed speculation the former West Ham man would move to Old Trafford this month.

Villas-Boas insists he has a “fantastic” relationship with Lampard, despite reports of disharmony between the pair.

“We speak every day,” he said.

Lampard, who has scored 10 goals this season, has either been substituted or come off the bench in 11 of his 26 games.

The midfielder has 18 months left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge but Villas-Boas insists he cannot guarantee him a regular starting place, despite pressure from Chelsea fans who idolise a player in his 11th season at the club.

Lampard has made 535 appearances, scoring 180 goals, since moving to west London in 2001. He has won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Community Shields with the club.

“We decide on an XI who are strong for any game and that can help us in the strategy to win the game,” said Villas-Boas.

“What the fans demand is instant success, and success in terms of trophies.

“Liverpool have been wanting to get back to Premier League winning ways for some time and they don’t have Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen playing.”

The Chelsea boss was accused of blanking Lampard on the team bus following the midfielder’s failure to join in a goal celebration with him during the recent Premier League win at Wolves.

 

Saturday, 14 January 2012

Barclays Premier League

Aston Villa v Everton, 15:00

Blackburn v Fulham, 15:00

Chelsea v Sunderland, 15:00

Liverpool v Stoke, 15:00

Man Utd v Bolton, 15:00

Tottenham v Wolverhampton, 15:00

West Brom v Norwich, 15:00

Sunday, 15 January 2012

Barclays Premier League

Newcastle v QPR, 13:30

Swansea v Arsenal, 16:00

Monday, 16 January 2012

Barclays Premier League

Wigan v Man City, 20:00