Frank Lampard in contact with Belgian star over Chelsea move

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is reportedly in direct contact with Belgian winger Dries Mertens regarding a Bosman move during the summer.

The 32-year-old's current deal with Napoli expires at the end of the season and he is likely to pursue a fresh challenge in a new league.

According to Gianluca di Marzio, Lampard has already held direct talks with the former Anderlecht man and he is hopeful of luring him on a free transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Mertens has scored 121 goals during his seven years with Napoli and out of those, he has netted 87 times since the beginning of the 2016/17 season when Maurizio Sarri switched him to the striker's position.

He is likely to demand a two-year contract with the Blues on top of £100,000-a-week wages. The Belgian could potentially replace Olivier Giroud, who could leave during the summer despite his contract being extended.

Giroud's existing deal was due to expire at the end of the season but the Blues recently took the option to prolong his stay for another 12 months by triggering the extension clause.