Chelsea Severing Ties with Frank Lampard? England Midfielder Sidelined in Match Against Norwich

It appears that Chelsea is severing ties with its veteran midfielder Frank Lampard as he was made to warm the bench during the match with Norwich in spite of his good performance in the 8-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday where he scored a 25-yard goal.

The 34-year-old England midfielder was sidelined during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Norwich on Wednesday amidst reports that he has been told to look for another club after his contract ends this season.

Lampard had earlier expressed his desire to end his career at Stamford Bridge but said that he would not warm the bench.

Chelsea had reportedly shown Lampard the doors before the match against Villa on Sunday.

"Frank is absolutely distraught. He wants to keep playing for Chelsea but they've told him to find another club in the January transfer window. He can't believe it. All he wants to do is play for Chelsea. This club means everything to him," The Sun quoted an insider from Stamford Bridge as saying.

"Frank worships the club - and especially the fans - and would happily have seen out his career at Stamford Bridge. After everything he has done for Chelsea, he cannot believe the way the club are throwing him out so callously. Anyone who saw his performance against Aston Villa will know he should be the first name on the team sheet. To think he went into that game knowing the club don't want him and then to play the way he did tells you what an unbelievable professional Frank is," added another source.

Lampard has been playing with Chelsea for the last 11 years and helped the Blues win many titles including the Champions League this year, but his age has become a concern.

It was reported that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has asked the management to extend the contract by only one year to players above 30 years of age, and Didier Drogba was one of the victims.

Another player who could leave Chelsea is left back Ashley Cole, who also crossed 30 years of age. It is rumoured that the defender, who has been with the Blues since 2006, could consider joining Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United after his contract ends this season.

Rafa Benitez, the new manager of Chelsea, had earlier hinted that Lampard and Cole could leave the club after their contract ends this season.