Frank Lampard's future at Stamford Bridge appears to be still in limbo after Avram Grant, the Chelsea manager, revealed he was not party to any of the negotiations aimed at keeping the England midfielder at the club.

Lampard, who claimed a hat-trick in the dramatic 4-3 win over Leicester City in the Carling Cup fourth round last night, has yet to commit himself to a new long-term deal - sparking fears he will quit the club.

And Grant would not be drawn on the situation over Lampard's contract, which expires in 18 months. "Frank is very important for the team," Grant said. "He likes to do things to a high level that is his target and our target.

"I am not involved in the money situation. They are negotiating and at the end of the day they will find a solution. Frank wants to stay at Chelsea and Chelsea wants Frank. Frank says it all the time. It is only negotiating. It is not a football matter."

Lampard has so far rejected all attempts by Chelsea to persuade him to sign a new contract and time is running out. Howvere, the midfielder has said he is merely concentrating on regaining form and set his sights on scoring 100 goals for the club.

Contract talks have been pushed to the back of his mind while he bids to regain his best form and hit 100 goals for the club, after his treble against Leicester took him to 96.

He said: "It was just about six weeks I had out in the end and it was a frustrating time. I've been very lucky with injuries up to now although it was even harder not being involved especially because it was a difficult time for the lads.

"I feel very fresh and hungry at the moment and just want to keep playing as I am. Maybe it has freshened me up. You save your legs for a few weeks laying around and when you come back you want to get hold of things and get on the ball and you feel a real hunger to be a big part of the team.

"I'm getting near to one hundred goals for Chelsea and that will be a real milestone. I will be very pleased when I get there. A hundred goals would mean a huge amount. Where I am now is right up there with a lot of Chelsea greats and I'm very proud to amongst them.

"I've been here for six and a half seasons now and to be anywhere near that figure is very exciting."