PANUCCI WANTS INTER RETURN

The cultured defender, who decided to move away from the San Siro because of a strained relationship with Lippi, arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer, but has seemingly failed to settle.

Panucci is reported as having issued a come-and-get-me plea to whoever takes over the reigns at the Milan club - saying: "If you want me now then I can return."

A high profile on-pitch argument with record-signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and reported strain in his relationship with Gianluca Vialli's replacement, Claudio Ranieri, appears to be indicative of the Italian international's growing discontent at the London club, and may have triggered this statement.

Pannuci moved to the Premiership after finding himself increasingly isolated at Inter under Lippi, who arrived in 1999, and his inability to command a place in the side led to his exclusion from the Italian Euro 2000 squad.

For several weeks last season it appeared that Panucci would simply exchange one Milan club for another and move to AC, but president Massimo Moratti is a big fan of the defender and would not sell him to their bitter local rivals.

A loan move to England was the result, but the situation has changed radically since the Nerazzurri decided to rid themselves of Lippi, and whoever takes over, it seems, will be given the option of bringing a talented defender back home.

Meanwhile, Mario Stanic's knee injury looks likely to keep him out of the Chelsea line-up for at least another month.