Chelsea are ready to risk another fan backlash by selling Frank
Lampard over fears his loyalty to Jose Mourinho could disrupt the
dressing room.
Stamford Bridge chiefs are determined to unite the squad behind
Avram Grant.
And Real Madrid are set to take advantage of the growing rift
between Lampard and the club by making a £9million bid to land the
England midfielder in January.
Lampard's refusal to discuss the £140,000-a-week contract offer
that has been on the table all year has been compounded by his
reaction to Mourinho's departure.
Along with Didier Drogba, Lampard was Mourinho's closest ally in
the dressing room, and has not attempted to hide his feelings over
the club's decision to let the Portuguese leave last month.
In a further concern for Chelsea fans, Drogba's agent Etienne Mendy
admits the striker has also become a Real target.
Lampard, 29, can "buy out" the last 12 months of his contract next
summer, costing him around £6m to become a free agent.
Real will use that fact to tempt Chelsea with their January offer.
Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also made enquiries about Drogba,
left deeply upset by Mourinho's exit.
Mendy said: "Drogba is a player who is very desirable and I have
received calls from some European clubs about the situation.
"The key question now is for Didi to work for Chelsea after the
blow.
"But he and the team must score many goals to recuperate their
confidence."
