West Ham United chief Karren Brady is sorry to see Frank Lampard being shunned by Chelsea.

Brady wrote in The Sun: "Ray Wilkins wonders why Chelsea seem intent on off-loading Frank Lampard.

"If he doesn't know, then who on earth does?

"Lampard has just scored with a magnificent half-volley in the eight-goal annihilation of Aston Villa.

"At 34, the prolific midfielder still looks every inch a Premier League player.

"But I don't believe that this, or the fact that the Chelsea fans love the record goalscorer they bought from West Ham nearly 12 years ago, will make an iota of difference to his footballing future.

"You don't need me, Wilkins or a succession of managers to tell you that when the bell tolls, the time is nigh."