Roman Abramovich has reportedly decided against selling Chelsea after becoming encouraged by the team's performances under Frank Lampard this season.

The Russian billionaire took over the club in 2003 and ushered in a spell of immediate success under Jose Mourinho.

However, it had been suggested that Abramovich was looking to put the West London club up for sale amid a continued visa row with the UK government.

According to The Telegraph, the 53-year-old has taken Chelsea off the market after receiving no serious bids over the past 18 months.

Moreover, Abramovich is encouraged by the progress made under Lampard, whose team sit third in the Premier League table after 12 games.

The former midfielder faces his biggest task on Saturday when Chelsea travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City.