adminrun out in the summer.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the veteran midfielder, 34, can still do a job at the very highest level.
He is a long-time admirer of the player and tried to get him before he even joined Chelsea.
It is unlikely a deal will be done this month — when a fee would be involved — while Lampard is also keen to see out the rest of the season at Stamford Bridge.
But United are prepared to offer him a one-year deal in the summer, with the promise of a second year if everything goes well.
Contact has already been made from Old Trafford to Lampard’s representatives.
He currently has a number of options including another Premier League club and two abroad.
But United are firm favourites to land him in a deal that would have seemed unthinkable at the start of the season.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has opened the door for a move to the English Premier League by declaring: I’ll be back next season.
And the world’s most sought-after boss could be targeted by Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Guardiola, on a year’s break after a glorious spell at Barcelona, said: “Yes, next season I will come back to manage a club. I don’t know which team but I will come back to manage.”
Guardiola, who turns 42 next week, added: “I will return because I am young.
“I am well, watching football as a fan and enjoying those magnificent players.”
It is understood Guardiola’s first choice would be to manage in the English Premier League.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is desperate to land Guardiola, while Roberto Mancini’s future at City is uncertain.
City’s new director of football is Txiki Beguiristain, who appointed Guardiola as boss at Barca.
Sir Alex Ferguson says he will stay at United for two more years — but if the Scot was to change his mind Guardiola is No. 1 choice at Old Trafford.
While Arsenal could make a move if Arsene Wenger quits after 17 years in charge.
Guardiola won 14 out of 18 possible trophies during four years as Nou Camp chief.
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is, meanwhile, still keen to lure Guardiola to the San Siro – but admits the chances of him joining are slim.
The 41-year-old left Barcelona in the summer after winning two Champions Leagues and three Primera Division titles in a four year spell in charge at the Nou Camp.
Guardiola moved to New York to take a year sabbatical, but that has not stopped him from being linked with a host of top clubs throughout Europe.
Speculation is set to increase after Guardiola told a news conference at the Fifa Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich that he wants to return to management. I don’t have a team to go to but I would like to go back to coaching,” he said. “I have taken a decision to return to coaching but beyond that no decision has been taken.”
Milan are one of those linked and Berlusconi says they continue to be interested in Guardiola.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side currently sit seventh in Serie A and the 76-year-old admits the coach’s position is far from secure. He told reporters: — AFP.
Online Reporter