GARY NEVILLE reckons Frank Lampard will be relying on the academy again next season after Chelsea failed to agree wage cuts with their players.

Blues stars were reportedly on the verge of accepting a ten per cent wage slash with Chelsea looking to save cash amid the coronavirus crisis.

However, the capital club released a statement confirming first-team stars would continue be paid in full.

And Chelsea players are now pushing for wages to be deferred instead.

Neville believes Lampard’s transfer budget for the summer market will be a lot smaller than expected as a result of the breakdown in talks.

Reports claim there was due to be around £150million in the bank after Chelsea opted against making any signings in January.

They have already agreed a £37m move for Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech.

And Lampard was reportedly interested in deals for Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

But Neville reckons the lack of funds is good news for Chelsea’s academy players, with the likes of Conor Gallagher and Ethan Ampadu all pushing to break into the senior side after loan spells away from Stamford Bridge.

Neville told Sky Sports: “We have seen in the last few days, Chelsea have not been able to successfully negotiate pay cuts and deferrals with their players.

“This is only coming back one way, when it comes to June 30, Chelsea will invest less in the transfer market, they will invest less in players.

Source: Read Full Article