Manchester City appear to be in a race against time to re-sign Frank Lampard ahead of their New Year's Day clash against Sunderland.
Lampard, 36, has effectively been on loan at City for the first part of the season from sister club New York City, having moved to the MLS side in the summer, but that arrangement is due to end on New Year's Eve.
But, at a confusing press conference, manager Manuel Pellegrini claimed the former England midfielder could play in the clash at the Etihad Stadium, while also admitting a deal had not yet been completed.
The manager and Lampard are both keen to extend his stay, which has long been expected having made a telling impact in his short time at the club.
However, as yet there has been no confirmation from either side as to whether he will be allowed to postpone his move Stateside, as it would mean missing the start of the MLS season with his new club.
Asked about the situation at his pre-match press conference, Pellegrini said: "He is in the squad list for tomorrow. He can play tomorrow."
But when asked whether that meant a new deal had been concluded, Pellegrini suggested nothing had been finalised.
He said: "I said during December we will know what happens with the future of Frank Lampard. It is important for him to stay with us. Today we finish December. I hope today we will have news."
The matter has been further confused by reports that City might not be able to re-register Lampard with the Premier League until the January transfer window opens on Saturday.
That, however, is not an issue for the Sunderland game as the Premier League has confirmed that Lampard's registration for the first part of the season actually runs until the next window opens. The issue therefore is between the two clubs.
Lampard signed for New York City in the summer, but was not actually due to start work with the club until January.
He was then able to join City on a short-term deal until that time, an arrangement that has effectively been a loan, but City now want to loan the player for longer from their American counterparts.
It remains to be seen how long a deal can be reached, but Pellegrini remains keen to keep the player for the rest of season.
He said: "When all the things about Frank are clear we can talk more about that - but of course I want him to stay until the end of the season."
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