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*Updated*

There was confusion over the Chelsea future of Frank Lampard today after the club refused to confirm or deny they were in talks over a new deal for the midfielder.

Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay was quoted at a press conference in Bangkok as saying discussions with Lampard were ongoing.

But Chelsea insisted Gourlay had been misquoted and said he was talking about all player negotiations, but not specifically about Lampard.

The club says when asked about the England midfielder Gourlay responded: "I am not prepared to discuss this at this time.

"Obviously conversations must remain confidential between the club and the players at all times so that is as much as I can say."

But pressed on whether talks were in progress for a contract extension for England midfielder Lampard, the club refused to comment.

The Lampard camp was furious at the way they believed the situation was being manipulated when the reports of the change of heart emerged last month.

Lampard, though, who never wanted to leave the Blues, read England boss Roy Hodgson's comments that he wanted the midfielder to stay in top flight football so he could be considered for a place in next year's World Cup squad even though he will turn 36 shortly before the tournament starts.

(Image: Laurence Griffiths - The FA)

Sources close to the England star, whose tally of 199 goals for Chelsea leave him just three short of Bobby Tambling's club record, maintain Lampard has had no proper offer and that money would not be an issue.

Gourlay also addressed the situation of interim manager Rafa Benitez, in the wake of last week's attack on the Blues fans and the title he was given when he replaced Roberto Di Matteo in November.

The chief executive added: "It was the club's plan to have Rafa Benitez as the interim manager with the aim of securing a Champions League position at the end of the Premier League season.

"We'll assess situation then. We can still win the Europa League and the FA Cup, but make no mistake, our priority lies with a Champions League spot."

Gourlay also said he hopes to bring in "two or three new players" this summer.

"When you look at the last three or four transfer windows, we have continued to invest in the team and the philosophy of the football club is based on success on the field," he said.

"We will continue to strength the team and I am expecting the introduction of two or three new players and hopefully they will be in place in time to be part of the team in Thailand."