In spite of being the highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League, as well as being just one goal shy of equalling Bobby Tambling club record of 202 goals, Blues legend Frank Lampard is not yet being offered a new contract by owner Abramovich. His current deal expires in the summer, making him available as a free agent to sign for any club interested in his services.

And that club could very well be the newly-crowned Premier League champions, Manchester United. Sir Alex already poached 29-year-old Robin van Persie from Arsenal last summer, and could be in line to pluck another rival player, with Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard on his radar.

On the eve of United’s encounter against Chelsea at Old Trafford, Fergie praised the impact Lampard has had at Chelsea, acknowledging his superb goal scoring prowess.

According to Dailymail, he said, “Lampard has been unbelievable. I don’t think a midfield player will be able to do that figure again. It’s quite phenomenal. Like Bryan Robson, he has had a great knack of timing his runs into the box at the right time. John Wark was another one at Ipswich.”

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is reportedly set to announce his retirement for the second time after suffering a knee injury, which has ruled him out since the turn of the year. Fergie may not be able to call on the former England international to play again, and may instead focus his attention on acquiring the services of the 34-year-old Lampard.

The Scot tried to lure the former West Ham trainee to Old Trafford and has admitted regret at not landing the player back then, who has gone on to score more than 200 goals for Chelsea. However, it may seem that Fergie could re-ignite his interest in the England international this summer.

He said, “The other thing is I can’t remember Lampard ever being injured. When he’s not been playing it’s because they thought he was past it. The guy has had a great career. I must say we looked at him when he was at West Ham as a young player and I maybe regret not having done it. Where else could I get 200 goals?”

At 34 years of age, Lampard is nearing the end of his career, but there could yet be a final flourish left in him, with Ferguson acknowledging he has hardly had any injury problems. The United manager may be keen on the attacking midfielder, but if Jose Mourinho does return to Stamford Bridge in the summer as reported, Lampard may yet be offered an extension to his current deal.