Pedro plays down exit talk

Chelsea forward Pedro has rubbished claims he could move on this summer and insists he wants to stick around for “as long as possible”.

The former Barcelona star has just one year left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge and reports claim he could be moved on. But Pedro insists there is no truth in suggestions that he will be heading away from west London and it’s unlikely Chelsea will let him leave due to their impending transfer ban.

Eden Hazard’s departure to Real Madrid earlier this summer has left a gaping hole in their attacking line and any further departures would leave the Blues seriously short. So it will be music to their ears to learn that Pedro is fully committed to cause as they look to compete for silverware in 2019-20.

“I’ve got one year left on my contract at Chelsea and I hope I can stay there as long as possible. There’s the possibility of playing in the Champions League once again,” Pedro told RTVC.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, who are priced at 23.00 to win the Premier League in 2019-20, appear to be making good progress in their attempt to bring in manager Frank Lampard from Derby.

The Championship club have excused Lampard from reporting for pre-season duties to allow talks between both parties to continue.

A statement released by Derby on Monday said: “Derby County Football Club has excused Frank Lampard from reporting back for pre-season training on Monday and Tuesday to allow his discussions regarding a potential move to Chelsea to be concluded as soon as possible.”