Chelsea have rejected an approach from Internazionale for Frank Lampard and will not discuss the transfer of the midfielder.
Inter fail to tempt Chelsea into selling midfielder
Chelsea have rejected an approach from Internazionale for Frank Lampard and will not discuss the transfer of the midfielder.
Lampard is Inter's top summer target after former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was appointed coach of the Serie A champions.
Mourinho had previously suggested the Nerazzurri would have to wait until next summer to sign the 30-year-old, who has 12 months left on his contract.
However, reports have gathered pace that Inter would look to take the England international to Serie A before the close of the current transfer window.
An approach has been made to Chelsea, but the Premier League club have dismissed the enquiry and do not plan to sell Lampard.
No financial offer
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has received an official approach from Internazionale to discuss the possible transfer of Frank Lampard," read a statement on the club's
official website.
"Contrary to reports no financial offer was made.
"Chelsea FC has informed Inter this morning that we will not enter into any discussions regarding the transfer of Frank Lampard."
The former West Ham United youngster has been negotiating a new deal at Stamford Bridge, but has yet to reach an agreement.
The recent arrival of Deco from Barcelona only served to heighten speculation that Lampard could be reunited with Mourinho at Inter.
But Chelsea have now made their position clear and are not willing to part with a player who has scored 110 goals in almost 370 appearances for the club.
