Manchester City fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are relieved as The Mirror reveals that Frank Lampard has agreed to extend his loan spell at the Etihad Stadium instead of joining up with his parent club New York City FC in January.

His extension will be a big boost for Manuel Pellegrini who is preparing for when Yaya Toure leaves for African Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast.

The club and player have been very quiet regarding his future but it is understood he has agreed to stay on with the Citizens.

Despite Lampard being 36-years-old, he has been very influential and has scored six times in 15 games.

Many thought there was no chance that the former England international could postpone his arrival in New York for much longer after agreeing to join them last summer.

His current deal at City runs out on New Year’s Eve and there is a agreement to stay in Manchester until at least mid-February.

The new MLS season begins in March so his parent side would like to get him in their training camp as soon as possible to prepare themselves for the new campaign.

City boss Pellegrini said: “It’s not so easy because Frank is a New York City player. He is only on loan until December 31, so we must respect the other people.

“I repeat that Frank is very important for our team so I hope he will stay here. The reason [for the delay in a final decision on his future] is not important – the important thing is that he stays here.

“Yes, I am confident he’ll stay, but I can’t say 100 per cent because it doesn’t depend just on me.”