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Manchester City's plan to keep Frank Lampard has created a backlash from New York City fans.

Season-ticket sales made on the back of the capture of the 36-year-old midfielder were going well until it became clear Lampard is set to stay on beyond his loan period at the Etihad.

NYCFC have still sold over 11,000 tickets for their first MLS season, which kicks off in March.But demand has stalled since City declared their desire to keep the former Chelsea star.

An expected rush of sales at Christmas failed to materialise even though some fans have paid up to £1,890 for the most expensive season ticket at 50,000-capacity Yankee Stadium.

Those sales were given a major boost by the attraction of watching Lampard and former Barcelona striker David Villa.

Both players still feature on the club website urging fans to snap up season tickets.

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Officials in New York are angry that they were led to believe the former England midfielder would only be a temporary member of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad and they feel that the episode has damaged their reputation as serious players in the MLS.

Pellegrini said a decision would be made this month but Lampard has made it clear he wants to stay at the Etihad.

It is understood that City have offered to send youth players on loan to New York in a bid to ease the tension.

Lampard has scored six times for the Blues this season.

But the champions insist that signing the player on loan from New York was not a ploy to help them meet new Financial Fair Play Regulations after being hit by a £49million fine this year.