England midfielder Frank Lampard is expected to join Manchester City on loan in a six-month deal from New York City FC that would end any chance of the former Chelsea star playing in the A-League.

The 36-year-old's new Major League Soccer (MLS) club is backed by Manchester City, which also owns the rebranded Melbourne City.

Despite recent speculation, Frank Lampard is likely to bypass the A-League. Credit:AFP

It was suggested Chelsea's all-time top scorer would join Spanish star David Villa at Melbourne City on a 10-game loan spell later this year before linking with his MLS club for their inaugural season, which starts next March.

The New York Daily News reported that Lampard, who signed a two-year deal last week with New York City FC, will be loaned to the English Premier League champions.