The England star has made it clear he wishes to join the Nerazzurri, but so far his club has vetoed any negotiations and threatened to hold him to the final year of his contract, even if that means losing him on a free transfer next summer.

“We have made our offer to Chelsea and now it depends on the player,” stated Inter patron Moratti at a youth team event this afternoon.

“He is a player we like, but we cannot do any more than that.”

Scolari had been among the most eager to keep Lampard at Stamford Bridge, but today’s reports paint a different picture.

“If you’re unsettled here, then I’ll try to help you,” Scolari told Lamps, according to The Sun newspaper.

“Mr Scolari agreed that there was no point hanging on to a player who didn’t feel good about his deal.

“The last thing Mr Scolari wants is a player who is not 100 per cent content.”

That is great news for Inter, who have agreed personal terms with Lampard and have seen their initial £6m offer rejected.

The Chelsea hero was named as Coach Jose Mourinho’s primary transfer target.

“I hope Lampard does arrive,” said Inter striker Julio Cruz on Sky Italia television.

“I think that over time we’ll see the situation develop. It is important for a club to have players of a world class level in its ranks and Inter can certainly afford someone like Lampard.

“It is good to see the side grow, as with so many tournaments like the Champions League, Coppa Italia and Serie A, it is crucial to have many good alternatives.”