Frank Lampard has revealed that he tried to sign Erling Haaland during his first spell as Chelsea manager.

Haaland has had a record-breaking first season at Manchester City during the current campaign to fire Pep Guardiola’s side’s pursuit of a treble. The Norwegian has scored 52 goals in all competitions, including a record 36 goals in the Premier League.

Chelsea travel to face Haaland and Manchester City this weekend and ahead of the clash interim manager Lampard lavished praise on the division’s leading scorer. Remarkably, Haaland’s 36 league goals are as many as Chelsea have managed in the Premier League this season.

“It’s a fantastic stat, I know the other part about Chelsea is another story though,” Lampard said at his pre-match press conference.

“I tried to bring him to Chelsea the first time I was here. I was keen but it couldn’t happen. His level at that point was very clear. Credit to him because I love seeing players at that level, with personality and the hunger to be the best.

“You have to have an idea that he can make things happen at any point. You have to be at your best when he does those things.

“I can’t compare him to [Didier] Drogba as they’re two individuals but he had that impact over a long period of time. Haaland’s impact has been more instant, straight from joining the Premier League. It’s not a direct comparison but both are great strikers.”