Manchester City's Frank Lampard (L) slaps hands with manager Manuel Pellegrini after being substituted during their English Premier League soccer match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England December 13, 2014.
Manchester City's Frank Lampard (L) slaps hands with manager Manuel Pellegrini REUTERS/Darren Staples

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to keep Frank Lampard beyond his current loan deal, which expires in December.

The former Chelsea midfielder is proving to be a vital part of the Sky Blues despite being in his late 30s, and has already contributed 6 goals and 4 assists in all competitions.

"I hope that the Frank situation will be resolved in the next few days," said Pellegrini.

"I said at the beginning [of Lampard's loan] that it would be during December when we would have the last decision, but I repeat once again that I think Frank is very important for our team so I hope he will stay here."

Lampard is contracted with MLS outfit New York City FC, and should be due to join them before the regular season starts in March.

City are currently trailing domestic table leaders Chelsea only by three points. And while it may be premature to talk or even think about, overtaking the west London club and winning the premiership will be bittersweet for the former West Ham United man.

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