Andre Villas-Boas: Frank Lampard is staying at Chelsea for the long term

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has denied speculation linking Frank Lampard with a move away from Stamford Bridge, stating he will remain at the club in the "long term".

The England international had been linked with a sensational transfer to Manchester United last week, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham, but the Portuguese is adamant the midfielder is not going nowhere.

As well as Lampard, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, both of whom are out of contract in the summer, have also been linked with moves away from west London.

However, Villas-Boas is confident the Ivorians, who are away with the national squad at the Africa Cup of Nations, will be Chelsea players at the end of the transfer window.

"They will return to this club from the African Nations and hopefully we will hold on to them until the end of the season," added Villas-Boas. "That's our intention, and I think their willingness as well."

Villas-Boas has also stated that he wants his players to stop talking about catching Premier League leader Manchester City and go out and do it on the pitch.

Chelsea is currently fourth in the Premier League and is 11 points behind City after 20 games so far this season.

"The problem is you have to show it on the pitch," Villas-Boas said. "At the moment, we have exhausted ourselves in words. It's time for us to get a practical run of victories to make our title challenge together. We are trying to begin that."