Frank Lampard makes Erling Haaland transfer revelation ahead of Man City vs Chelsea

Frank Lampard has revealed he tried to sign Erling Haaland during his first spell as Chelsea manager.

The Manchester City attacker, who has already broken the record for the most individual goals in a single Premier League season, could have ended up at Stamford Bridge instead of the Etihad, had Lampard got his wish.

During the ex-midfielder’s first period as Chelsea boss between 2019-2021, Haaland completed a transfer from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund, who beat off competition from a number of rivals, including Manchester United. Ahead of Lampard bringing his Chelsea side to Manchester on Sunday, the 44-year-old was asked for his view on City’s prolific Norwegian.

“It’s a fantastic stat from him,” said Lampard. “I’ve got huge respect. I tried to bring him to Chelsea the last time I was here. His level at that time was very clear. Credit to him.

“Whether he would’ve come here I don’t know, but I was pushing big,” Lampard added. “What stage did it get to? From our point, I was pushing it. I’m not sure what the appetite was at the club. The competition was big because he was an outstanding player. The buyout clause was reasonable. I don’t know how close it was.”

Lampard also admitted he would have no issue giving City a guard of honour this weekend, with Pep Guardiola’s side needing just three points from their remaining three matches to wrap up a third consecutive Premier League title.

“We could do. I’d have no problem,” said the interim Chelsea manager on Friday. “Who knows how the game pans out,” he continued. “But at the same time, when you see them churning out these wins and performances, you have to expect the best version of Man City.

“I think they are the best team in the world. Is it good for English football? Yeah, why not. You have to push the standards. They have set the standards. You have to aspire to be that.”

Asked if City are the best team ever, Lampard added: “I don’t know about the greatest, that’s a hard debate. They are clearly a fantastic team, they have been for a while now. Huge credit for that consistency.”