Chelsea have told Frank Lampard they won't block his departure - so long as its not to a Premier League rival. The People says that has alerted Paris St Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is desperate to sign a top-class midfielder in the January transfer window after the collapse of his club's move for David Beckham.

Manchester United did make an enquiry to Chelsea about Lampard's availability on Thursday - but the question was met with a flat 'No'.

But after the breakdown of his relationship with manager Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea are willing to release Lampard, who still has 18 months to run on his contract, on a free transfer abroad to get his £150,000-a-week salary off the wage bill.