Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Inter close in on Lampard

08 Jul 2008 - 07:25:30

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Internazionale are confident of landing Frank Lampard despite Chelsea remaining silent on the future of their unsettled midfielder.

The Italian champions believe they can secure the signature of the England international in a £6.5million deal before new manager and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho meets his players for the first time at start of pre-season training next week.

The 29-year-old midfielder has just 12 months remaining on his existing contract and has failed to agree terms on a new long-term deal.

Lampard's future at Stamford Bridge was brought into further doubt when new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari added Portugal midfielder Deco to his ranks last month.

"We will do whatever is necessary to sign Lampard," an Inter source is quoted as saying.

"Jose Mourinho has informed the president he wants him at the club by the time the players return on July 16.

"We are confident we will fulfil the coach's wish."