Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole to leave Chelsea, reveals Rafa

RAFA BENITEZ last night admitted he is powerless to stop Chelsea getting rid of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

The England pair are in the final year of their contracts.

And interim boss Benitez said: “I think it’s the case that Frank and Ashley will leave in the summer.

“But that is not up to me.”

Cole, 31, has only been offered a one-year extension, even though his deal expires at the end of the season.

The world’s top clubs are already queuing up to get him for free.

A Chelsea insider revealed: “Players have already spoken to technical director Michael Emenalo saying ‘why are we giving Ashley to the enemy?’”

Chelsea have so far failed to open negotiations with Lampard, 34, who can also leave for nothing and is attracting huge interest from LA Galaxy and clubs in China.