Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole leaving Chelsea

Chelsea have released both Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, the Premier League's annual list of released and retained players has revealed.

Various reports over the last month had suggested that Lampard would agree a new deal at the Blues, though it now seems that won't be the case.

Lampard is is undoubtedly a legend at Stamford Bridge, with the 35-year-old the club's all-time leading goal scorer. Unsurprisingly he hasn't been at his best for the last couple of seasons, though still looked like he'd be useful for another season or two -- particularly with Chelsea not the most well-stocked in the centre of midfield. However, José Mourinho may well have deemed him surplus to requirements.

Cole's release is a little more understandable, given César Azpilicueta's phenomenal performances at left-back over the last season. He leaves Stamford Bridge with a few other notables, including veteran striker Samuel Eto'o, long -serving backup goalkeeper Henrique Hilario and less-long-serving backup goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

However, it remains possible that Chelsea could still agree a deal with any of these players before next season -- it isn't yet definitively the end of their careers with the Blues.