EXCLUSIVE: Frank's OK for LA... according to his missus! Lampard is closer to Chelsea exit after fiancee Bleakley agrees to move



Frank Lampard has overcome a key obstacle in his proposed move to LA Galaxy after persuading fiancee Christine Bleakley to join him Stateside.

The 34-year-old’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and a move to the MLS remains the midfielder’s prepared option if he leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.



Bleakley has shown a reluctance in moving to Los Angeles and she was quoted as saying in January: ‘I’m a homebird. Coming to London was a big deal for me.

Scroll down for video

Planning their future: Lampard's next move depends on his fiancee, TV presenter Christine Bleakley



‘I’m as far away from my mum and sister now than I feel comfortable with.’



But Sportsmail understands the TV presenter has now taken the decision to relocate to LA should Lampard seal his move to the Home Depot Center.

It is also understood the pair are currently considering properties and areas to live in the US to ensure their pending move across the Atlantic goes as smoothly as possible.

Lampard’s move to the Galaxy looked cut-and-dried at the turn of the year, with Chelsea not prepared to even discuss a new deal for the England midfielder.

But Sportsmail’s Neil Ashton exclusively revealed in February how the west London club had a change of heart over Lampard, opening talks over a new contract.

Whoever is appointed as Chelsea’s next manager is likely to have a bearing on whether the club's second-highest goalscorer extends his stay.

Closing in: Lampard is just one goal behind Bobby Tambling's Chelsea all-time goalscoring record

But it is looking increasingly likely that should he bring time on his Blues career this summer, then LA will be his destination.

Lampard netted his 201st Chelsea goal in the 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Swansea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday to move within one of the club record held by Bobby Tambling.

But the midfielder is 35 in June, out of contract this summer and his future is uncertain. Should he leave this summer, Lampard will have six games in which to break Tambling's record, providing Chelsea get past Basle in tonight's Europa League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.



Interim manager Rafa Benitez is coming under increasing pressure to play Lampard so he can make history, but the Spaniard has taken to using the veteran as a substitute over recent weeks.

Fun in the sun: The England midfielder is preparing for tonight's Europa League semi-final against Basle

Should Christine move to LA? Here's the argument for and against...