Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has re-iterated that he wants Frank Lampard to remain with the club after his initial loan spell expires.
The veteran midfielder is on loan from MLS expansion franchise New York City FC with the agreement set to end at the end of December but Pellegrini feels he is a vital player for the reigning Premier League champions.
City are set to lose star midfielder Yaya Toure for January as he contests the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast which has furthered Pellegrini's desire to keep ex-Chelsea ace Lampard at the Etihad Stadium.
But the Chilean tactician insists he will not do anything to upset the relationship with New York City who are preparing for the inaugural MLS season which kicks off in 2015.
"Before December finishes we will have a decision but, as I repeat, I think Frank is a very important player for us and I hope we will not have any problems for him to stay here," Pellegrini said.
"But I cannot say just from one side what will happen with him. He has a loan just until the end of December and there is another club involved.
"The MLS is involved also. There are a lot of parties with an arrangement. It's not just depending on one opinion.
"But I hope we can have a decision as soon as possible because it's important for us and the players.
"He couldn't start in the US until January or February, so prefers to stay here until December.
"If he can finish the year here, better - but I think that the MLS is a very important league also and I think that Frank Lampard will be very happy in the United States."
