Lampard named on Chelsea release list

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England vice-captain Frank Lampard looks set to head to the FIFA World Cup as a free agent, with Chelsea likely to release him.

The 35-year-old midfielder's future has been unclear throughout the Premier League season and he was on a list of released players on Friday.

Left-back Ashley Cole, striker Samuel Eto'o and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer are among the others on the list.

Cole and Eto'o have been expected to leave Stamford Bridge since late in the season but Lampard looked set to agree to an extension.

Schwarzer is still hopeful of another contract, but the Australian's release – along with Hilario – could mean on-loan shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois will return from Atletico Madrid.