Monaco boss Ranieri looking to snap up Lampard for a second time

Frank Lampard is wanted by former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri at French second division side Monaco as the England midfielder prepares to quit Stamford Bridge.

Ranieri signed Lampard from West Ham for £11million in 2001. Although the Italian was fired by Roman Abramovich in May 2004, Lampard retains a healthy respect for him as a coach.

Ranieri wants to take advantage of Lampard’s fading star at Chelsea after the London club failed to open talks with the player over a new deal.

Sportsmail revealed Ranieri’s interest last month and Monaco are ready to make an official approach if Chelsea signal they are prepared to let him leave.

Although Monaco cannot match Lampard’s net salary of around £130,000 a week, the principality is tax-free and will appeal to the Chelsea midfielder, although his children from a previous relationship are in London.
Soon after taking over as Chelsea interim coach, Rafa Benitez said Lampard and left back Ashley Cole would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Lampard, 34, has been told his contract will not be renewed in the summer after 12 years at the club, during which he has won three Premier League titles.

Although he was on the bench for the Club World Cup semi-final victory over Mexican side Monterrey, he started the final against Corinthians and captained the team in the absence of John Terry.

Before flying back from Japan, Lampard emphasised Chelsea’s need to re-ignite their domestic season, starting with the Capital One Cup quarter-final tie at Leeds on Wednesday.