I feel for him. He would have came because of the long time talks he had with MR.
He, like others have been chopped and changed / played out of position so many times this season, i think it has in reality knocked his confidence. His work rate can't be faulted, but he's often asked to play out of position, and players are either gifted enough to do that instantly, or not.
We could all see what playing EMC on the right did for him, and now look.
I think Lampard needs a version of the squad that is his own to some degree. Perhaps offloading a few will enable him to stamp his own identity by bringing a few of his own choices in.
Maybe MR could use him as you said, they are in need.