TV pundit Gary Neville has warned Frank Lampard and Chelsea that buying players in the January transfer window could cause just as many problems as it will solve.

The Blues were unable to sign any players in the summer due to their transfer ban, but after their appeal was successful at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, they will be able to make new signings next month. However, Neville says Lampard should be careful not to stunt the development of youngsters coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge:

“I’m sure he’s happy to get the transfer ban lifted but it would have been more simple to just have the players he has for this season and to work with them and believe in them.”

“If you bring two or three players in, you do end up trying to make changes quicker than you usually would. Sometimes you sign players and think they automatically deserve to go into the team and then a younger player gets left out and don’t get the development.”

“It’s good for Chelsea that they’ve got the transfer ban lifted because they need a few players but there is a potential downside to it that could cause Frank a problem.”

Lampard has done more than any other Chelsea manager in recent years to bring through young players, and he will be keenly aware that January signings could impact the balance of the squad.

However, the 41-year-old also has the job of making sure that this team finishes in the top four. Yesterday’s victory against Tottenham will help in that regard (they are four points clear of fifth), but some poor recent form has also shown there are weaknesses in the team.

If the right player becomes available in January, Lampard will be very keen to strengthen his squad for the second half of the campaign.