Lampard is staying at Chelsea

LONDON – New manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said yesterday that Frank Lampard would remain at Chelsea for this season and beyond, underlining the club’s refusal to consider any offers for the England midfielder.

Speaking at his first news conference since taking the Chelsea post, Scolari said he had spoken to Lampard and received assurances the player was still committed to the London club. Chelsea needs Lampard and Lampard needs Chelsea,” the Brazilian told reporters.”I think Lampard will be with us (for) more time than one (more) year.”Lampard is entering the final year of his contract and Chelsea told Inter Milan in a statement earlier yesterday that they were not prepared to enter into any discussions for the 30-year-old.The Stamford Bridge club confirmed they had received an approach from the Italian champions but denied British media reports that an offer had been made for Lampard.The Sun newspaper reported on Monday that Inter had faxed a bid of 6,5 million pounds (US$12,82 million) for the former West Ham United player.The Chelsea statement said: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has received an official approach from Internazionale to discuss the possible transfer of Frank Lampard.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.”Inter, coached by Lampard’s former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, refuted Chelsea’s statement that an offer had not been made.”This is not true,” Inter president Massimo Moratti told reporters.”There’s an offer and we confirm it.However, we don’t want to create any big problems.”The Italian champions have made no secret of their desire to sign Lampard, who flourished under Mourinho’s tutelage during the Portuguese manager’s three years at Chelsea.”They replied that they have no intention of negotiating, as was their right,” Moratti added.”Am I optimistic? We will see.”Nampa-ReutersChelsea needs Lampard and Lampard needs Chelsea,” the Brazilian told reporters.”I think Lampard will be with us (for) more time than one (more) year.”Lampard is entering the final year of his contract and Chelsea told Inter Milan in a statement earlier yesterday that they were not prepared to enter into any discussions for the 30-year-old.The Stamford Bridge club confirmed they had received an approach from the Italian champions but denied British media reports that an offer had been made for Lampard.The Sun newspaper reported on Monday that Inter had faxed a bid of 6,5 million pounds (US$12,82 million) for the former West Ham United player.The Chelsea statement said: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has received an official approach from Internazionale to discuss the possible transfer of Frank Lampard.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.”Inter, coached by Lampard’s former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, refuted Chelsea’s statement that an offer had not been made.”This is not true,” Inter president Massimo Moratti told reporters.”There’s an offer and we confirm it.However, we don’t want to create any big problems.”The Italian champions have made no secret of their desire to sign Lampard, who flourished under Mourinho’s tutelage during the Portuguese manager’s three years at Chelsea.”They replied that they have no intention of negotiating, as was their right,” Moratti added.”Am I optimistic? We will see.”Nampa-Reuters