Jose Mourinho has conceded that it will be ‘difficult’ for Inter to sign Frank Lampard this summer, with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon adamant the midfielder is staying at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have rejected an offer of almost £8million from Inter for the England international and want Lampard to see out the final year of his Stamford Bridge contract.
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho now accepts that it is more likely that the player will head to the Giuseppe Meazza on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.
“For him, it’s easier to end his deal by playing with Chelsea than to suddenly break it now,” Inter coach Mourinho told Portuguese channel TV1.
“It seems to me difficult that he could arrive now, it would be easier that he could arrive next season.”
Kenyon confirmed that Lampard will not be sold, even if he does not sign a new contract with the club.
Kenyon said: “As Felipe (Scolari) said Frank is here, he has been training very well and there is no change in the position.
“We want Frank to stay, but if we cannot agree he will honour the last year of his contract.
“We do not sell our best players and there will be no more discussions about this while we are out here as this trip is about preparation and playing.”
