Sunday 4 January 2015 16:16, UK
Oliver Holt of the Daily Mirror believes that Frank Lampard may never play for MLS franchise New York City, after extending his stay at Manchester City.
The former England international was on loan at the English champions from New York City - who share the same owners as Man City - until the end of 2014, but will now stay with the title-chasers until the end of the Premier Legaue season.
The deal means Lampard's MLS debut will be delayed, which has angered New York City fans who were expecting to see him in their team’s line-up at the start of the US season in March.
Speaking on Sunday Supplement, Holt said: “I wonder if that move might never happen.”
The 36-year-old midfielder’s recent run of good performances have helped Man City challenge Chelsea for the Premier League crown and qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League, convincing the City management to extend his deal.
"When a club wants to, it can get something out of these players, players as good as Lampard," said Holt.
Jonathan Northcroft of The Sunday Times was in agreement and when asked whether Lampard would leave given Man City’s position after Christmas, he said: "Of course not."
He added: "I didn’t think he’d be so good that the case for Manchester City would be so compelling to keep him. He’s emerged as such an important player.
"When he signed for New York City, I always thought he might play for Manchester City. I did buy the idea of it being for Christmas at first. Maybe they set out with those intentions."