Friday 25 July 2014 17:51, UK
Frank Lampard could spend a loan spell with Melbourne City as he must wait until February to make his debut for New York City FC.
The 36-year-old midfielder signed a two-year deal with New York, but the new franchise will only join the MLS at the start of next season.
Lampard will hold talks with his new club about how to maintain his fitness levels and sporting director Claudio Reyna refused to rule out a temporary move to Melbourne City, who like New York, have a tie-up with Manchester City.
"There's that possibility, but we really haven't spoken about it," Reyna told Sky Sports News.
"We wanted to make sure that Frank had his vacation that he's earned and is well deserved after so many years in the Premier League as well as the World Cup.
"We're going to sit down this week - he's here in New York for another week or so - and we'll have those discussions on just planning what we do with him for five months and that is an option.
"But we just need to speak together as a group, with Manchester City as well, and see what they think as far as our group.
"But one thing for sure is we’re really confident he looks after himself and that he’ll be ready to go in January 2015."
Lampard has revealed how his uncle Harry Redknapp, the QPR boss, was keen to sign him but he did not want to join a rival London club after ending a lengthy spell with Chelsea.
"I think my Dad spoke to Harry quite a lot and we had some conversations," he said.
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"But it wasn't really an option for me. I had 13 years at Chelsea and it's something very dear to me so it would have been difficult to play for a club so close.
"There were other options in England and all around the world - but this is the one that stood out for me."
Lampard is yet to make a decision about his international future and could follow the example of David Beckham who continued his England career after moving to the MLS.
"I think the whole England thing is always on an individual basis," he said. "David Beckham did it. I think some people retire when they are 30 years of age or for the sake of their careers.
"I need to make sure I make the right decision for me because I've enjoyed playing for my country so much that I want to make sure that I do it at the right time, and it feels right for me."
