Four-goal Lampard is tipped to stay

Chelsea manager Avram Grant is convinced Frank Lampard will remain with the club next season.

The England midfielder has delayed contract talks until the summer and there have been suggestions that he might buy himself out of his deal to join one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

But he showed his commitment to Chelsea's cause by scoring four goals in a 4-1 win over Derby County in the Premier League and Grant is convinced Lampard will remain at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "The club wants Frank and he wants to stay so nothing has changed. As for the negotiations, that is not my area.

"We plan something for next season and I can tell you that Frank will stay in Chelsea, I am almost sure about that. But when I speak with the players it is between them and me.

"He has scored more than 100 goals and I think he will score 150 for Chelsea, I am sure of that."

Chelsea responded to the surprise FA Cup defeat at Barnsley by dominating the match at Stamford Bridge, reviving hopes that they can close the five-point gap between them and the Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Grant added: "I think we have won more than 80 per cent of the games in the league since I came. It is enough to be close to the top two and maybe the right time to be there.

"But we need to continue to play like we have played most of the league games and then who knows? Anything can happen.

"But I can tell you that we will fight until the end. I never give in and I will not start now."

The defeat for Derby means they will be relegated if they lose another four Premier League games this season.

Manager Paul Jewell said: "Our personnel will be totally different next year.

"Hopefully we will have a different mentality and I can't wait for pre-season to start.

"We just want to get the games out the way and try and come back a more competitive outfit next season.

"Some players will want to leave of their own volition and some will leave because they are not up to the standard I want.

"Those that want to be here and are good enough will be here but those that don't and are not good enough won't be, it is as simple as that."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.