There are reports in England that Pedro is causing some concern among Stamford Bridge chiefs as the Spaniard is said to be holding out on signing a short-term deal to help the club through the remainder of the Premier League season.

The winger will become a free agent from July 1, a problem many clubs up and down the English football league ladder face.

But the 32-year-old is holding out on putting pen to paper in solidarity with team-mate Willian who will also become a free agent from July 1.

The campaign is set to resume on June 17 but the season will run over that free agent deadline with Chelsea hoping their out-of-contract players will sign a temporary deal to finish the season at the very least.

The battle to finish in the top four remains a top priority for Chelsea and they’ll want all their players available to them in order to achieve Champions League qualification.

Both Pedro and Willian though can cause a big problem for Frank Lampard should they refuse to sign a temporary deal.

Willian in particular has been a regular in Chelsea’s starting line-up this season but he has so far refused to commit beyond June 30.

And Willian’s reluctance to stay at Chelsea beyond this month has led to some trepidation from Pedro about being the first of those players out of contract to sign a temporary deal.

A Blues source told The Sun: “Pedro is ready to play on. He knows he is pretty much certain of leaving Chelsea at the end of this season.

“He wants to do the right thing by the club too after a long time there and see the season out.

“But equally, he does not want to be the first one who signs before his pals have done the same.