Chelsea winger Willian is a target for Juventus and Barcelona with his contract coming to an end next summer.
The Italian and Spanish champions have been circling the 31-year-old for some time and could try to land him on a pre-contract in January.
Willian looked set for a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge before Eden Hazard’s departure and Frank Lampard’s arrival during the summer.
But he was again outstanding wearing the armband in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last Saturday.
(Image: 2019 Getty Images)
Willian also remains the longest-serving squad member behind Cesar Azpilicueta and forgotten-man Marco van Ginkel.
Lampard admitted after Saturday’s win that Willian is still one of his key players, despite his age.
Lampard said: “The word isn’t ‘no brainer’ because I can’t get involved in the money. That’s up to the club to do.
“But everyone sees how much I’m relying on him, and picking him and in what he is producing, I love him at this football club. So there’s my answer.”
(Image: PA)
Lampard added: “When I looked at him at the start of the season, I saw him being huge for me and the way we want to play.
“The off-the-ball work he’s done is an absolutely outstanding example for Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and other young wingers who think the only part of the game is going past people and crossing or shooting.
“He does the other side brilliantly, with absolute humility, so he’s been a joy and one of the experienced players that’s really helping the young boys.”
Willian has won the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League since his arrival in west London from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.
