New interim Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has claimed that he has been told that Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are both set to leave the Blues in the summer when their contracts expire.

The two long serving England internationals have not been offered new deals at Stamford Bridge and owner Roman Abramovic is set to demand younger players are brought to the club in order to remain as one of Europe’s best clubs.

Benitez is only set to be in charge in West London until the end of the season and it seems he won’t have much say when it comes to transfer deals.

"I think so, that is the case at the moment,” Benitez told Sky Sports when asked if the duo were set to leave.

"I am only here for seven months. If it is for two or three years then maybe I would have an influence.

"Sometimes you are in a difficult position as manager because there's too much to decide on, so it's better to have a technical director

sometimes."