Lampard preparing to anchor New York club

England's Frank Lampard reacts after their 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match against Costa Rica at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte June 24, 2014.?[Photo/Agencies]

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is expected to complete his move to New York City FC next week, according to British media reports on Saturday.

Lampard has been strongly linked with a transfer to the Major League Soccer team since leaving Chelsea when his contract expired at the start of June.

The 36-year-old England international received a host of proposals from across the globe, but it is believed he has decided to accept an offer to move to New York, a new MLS franchise part-owned by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.

While the MLS has yet to break into the mainstream of North American sports, Lampard was reportedly highly impressed with the club's vision and he is expected to sign a contract this week.

The New York club was formed in May 2013, but will not start competing in the US-based league until March of next year. As a result, Lampard could spend some time with New York's sister club, Melbourne City FC, over the next few months.

Lampard is currently taking a short holiday with his fiancee, Christine Bleakley.

During his 13 years at Chelsea, Lampard became the club's all-time leading scorer and won three Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League, plus the 2013 Europa League and four FA Cups.

The midfielder was part of Roy Hodgson's 23-man World Cup squad but only made one appearance - in England's draw against Costa Rica.

The former West Ham star has said he will take a few weeks to decide whether he wants to continue playing for England.