Lampard ready to choose between AC Milan and LA Galaxy in move that could end his dream of 2014 World Cup



Frank Lampard is facing a major dilemma which could end his England career should he opt for the sunshine of Los Angeles rather than stay at Chelsea or move to Italy.



AC Milan appear to be in pole position to sign the 34-year-old midfielder, who is seriously considering a move which would allow him to continue his international career.



The Serie A club have already opened talks with representatives of Lampard, who will be offered a one-year 'take it or leave it' deal by Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Out of time: Frank Lampard may not be at Chelsea next season

He is also being courted by MLS outfit LA Galaxy, who see the Chelsea star as an ideal replacement for David Beckham. But a move to the United States would almost certainly spell the end of his international career and any hopes of reaching the 100-cap milestone.

England boss Roy Hodgson will select Lampard for England's upcoming friendly against Brazil in February, when he can earn his 94th cap, and he is also likely to feature in the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro at the end of March.

But Hodgson would be unlikely to maintain the precedent set by his predecessor Fabio Capello, who kept high-profile Beckham in his squad while he played for LA Galaxy.

Decision: Would Roy Hodgson keep faith with Lampard if he was playing in the US?

Hodgson was at Stamford Bridge last Wednesday to see Lampard captain Chelsea to a 2-2 draw against Southampton, and witnessed the home crowd's angry reaction when he was substituted in the second half by manager Rafa Benitez and replaced by Spanish striker Fernando Torres.



Milan will stress to Lampard how they have respected and prolonged the careers of older players, such as Alessandro Costacurta and Paolo Maldini, who both played at the club well into their 40s.



Milan were the first major team to use cutting-edge sports science to enable their players to continue into their late 30s, an approach now copied by Manchester United but rejected at Chelsea, where players over the age of 32 are only usually offered one-year deals.



Lampard, who harbours ambitions to play in next year's World Cup in Brazil, is likely to get a longer-term deal at AC Milan plus the chance to test himself abroad and be part of the club's rebuilding.

Although Milan are struggling in seventh place after a poor start, there is still the prospect of playing Champions League football.



The club are rebuilding, with talks to take Kaka back to San Siro from Real Madrid on-going.

There are a number of Premier League clubs who are keen to sign Lampard but, as with Beckham's lasting association with United, it is unlikely he would put his relationship with Chelsea fans in jeopardy by signing for any future opposition.



