Agent says Lampard won't get new Chelsea deal: Reports

LONDON (AP) - Frank Lampard's departure from Chelsea at the end of the season now appears certain.

Lampard's agent Steve Kutner has told British media that Chelsea has no intention of offering the veteran midfielder a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

"Chelsea executives told Frank in Japan during the Club World Cup, then again reconfirmed with me after the Everton victory (on Dec 30) that in no circumstances will he be offered a new contract to stay at the club after the end of this season," Kutner was quoted Sunday as saying by the Daily Mirror newspaper. "Nothing since has changed in any respect."

On Friday, Chelsea captain John Terry said he was "devastated" by Lampard's looming exit and called for his teammate's No. 8 shirt number to be retired. Now the 34-year-old England international must prepare to find a new club.