Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has heaped praise on Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard ahead of Saturday's clash between the two sides.

The 34-year-old midfielder looks likely to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Manchester United recently.

Pulis believes that Lampard's time with the Blues has been good for both player and club.

"I think Frank has been a fantastic player for Chelsea. He has been unbelievable and he is a great lad and they tell me he is a real top professional," Sky Sports News quotes Pulis as saying.

"Chelsea has been absolutely fantastic for Frank - just look at the medals and trophies he has won. As a young kid starting football, he needed a vehicle to be able to achieve what he has achieved.

"Whether the argument is that Chelsea should offer him a new contract or not, well that is not my decision. But I think it has been a great marriage."

Lampard has scored three goals in nine Premier League games against Stoke.