Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has revealed that contract talks are ongoing with youngster Tariq Lamptey, who made his senior debut against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
After being a surprise inclusion on the substitutes' bench, the academy graduate was introduced during the second half as he helped the Blues record a 2-1 comeback win over one of their biggest rivals.
However, with the 19-year-old having just over six months remaining on his existing deal, he can hold discussions with foreign clubs later this week regarding a potential switch in the summer.
Nevertheless, Lampard is hopeful that his top-flight debut can play a part in convincing the right-back to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to reporters, the Englishman said: "We'll see. He's talking with the club and hopefully he feels a bit of love from today as we've parachuted him in.
"He was actually on his Christmas break when we called him in yesterday. He trained and then played. I'd seen him when I was doing my coaching badges and you do a lot of hours with the academy and youth team. I saw him train a lot and I know he has a different dimension as a right-sided wing back.
"He has pace, low centre of gravity and can go by people. Of course he wants to work on his end product and all the last bits."
Lamptey was promoted to the senior setup as a result of injuries to Reece James and Marcos Alonso.
Darren Plant
