Chelsea Transfer News: Frank Lampard Spotted at Los Angeles Galaxy Game
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As the Philadelphia Union improbably defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday night, Frank Lampard and his fiance, television presenter Christine Bleakley, watched the game from the owner's box with David Beckham.
Speculation that Lampard could be in for a move to the Galaxy started in January when owner Tim Leiweke told Sky Sports of his admiration for the current Chelsea midfielder.
"I am a fan of Frank's. I think he is a great player," Leiweke said. "When I think of Chelsea, I think of Frank Lampard."
Now, rumors have turned extremely specific, with an ESPN report claiming that Lampard has been offered $20 million over two seasons to sign with the reigning MLS Cup champions.
One obstacle to seeing Lampard in a Galaxy jersey is the team's full stock of Designated Players. Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane occupy the three available spots for players who make more than $350,000 annually—or $175,000 semi-annually, if the player joins in midseason—according to MLS roster rules.
Any deal with Lampard would imply that one of the current Designated Players is headed out of Los Angeles.
Donovan is selling his current $4 million home in Manhattan Beach. However, he hasn't been linked to any moves recently, and just selling his house doesn't mean he's leaving the team.
Donovan's Galaxy contract runs out in 2013.
Leiweke could be planting a seed for a future move. After all, he told Sky Sports that it took him two years to convince David Beckham to take the Galaxy seriously.
Lampard still has a year left on his Chelsea contract, too, and Beckham signed a new two-year deal in January.
At the moment, though MLS fans will be licking their lips at the idea of having a superstar like Lampard in the league, it may have to wait a while.
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