Chelsea keeping tabs on Roma's midfield duo

Chelsea have been keeping a keen eye on Roma’s midfield pair of Miralem Pjanic and Daniele De Rossi, with a veiw to replacing Frank Lampard.

Frank Lampard is all but confirmed to be leaving the Blues at the end of the season, with some reports suggesting he may leave in January. Chelsea have so far failed to comment on the subject, with Franky claiming there is no date set for talks on an extension to his contract.

Lampard has been at Chelsea since his £11million move from West Ham United in 2001, and has become a Chelsea legend, winning 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups and last years Champions League. Lamps is now 34 years-old and his place in Chelsea’s first team is uncertain.

Daniele De Rossi has recently fallen out with Roma Coach Zdenek Zeman over a lack of game time of late, leading a host of top clubs to monitor the situation. The Italian has been highly admired in the footballing world, and at 29 should still have 4-5 years football in him.

Franco Baldini, Roma’s general manager, has laughed off any suggestions that the club could sell De Rossi, saying: “The president enjoyed himself this morning by reading about how many clubs we had sold De Rossi to,” Baldini told ESPN. “As I’ve always said, there is no intention of selling him.

“We have no intention of selling him, we’re not in touch with any other clubs and we have not received any offers. It’s all speculation.

“The principle objective is to create a good side from now for the next 10 years and one of the biggest brands in the world. This year’s target is to qualify for the Champions League and we’ll be disappointed if that doesn’t happen.

“The first step is to find a location for the stadium. We’re working to have a new arena within the next five years.”

Pjanic has been likened to Frank Lampard, and has played down reports that he could be shipped in to fill the legends very big boots.

Pjanic said: “I am flattered to be linked with a team such as Chelsea, a European Cup winner, but I have a contract here at Roma.

“Could I replace Frank Lampard? He is a legend there. He has done so much for the club and I hope to achieve such feats myself one day.”

Nobody could replace Frank lampard, but i think De Rossi could add to the team, and play the central midfield role perfectly next to Ramires. I can’t say that I have watched Pjanic all that much but reports about the midfielder are promising. Would any of you recommend Pjanic to Chelsea?