Chelsea hope Scolari factor will sway Lampard contract talks - as Mourinho waits to pounce - Sport

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The England midfielder and his agent are set for more talks over a new contract next week with the club optimistic that the arrival of a coach of the Brazilian's stature will increase the chances of him staying.

Lampard, who has one year left on his contract, has consistently said that he does not want to leave Chelsea but is looking for an improved deal which puts him in line with other top earners such as John Terry and Michael Ballack.

Tug of love: Inter want to sign Lampard but Chelsea hope to wrap up a new contract for the midfielder

Jose Mourinho, who has just taken over at Inter Milan, rates Lampard extremely highly and has kept in touch with the midfielder since the Portuguese coach left Chelsea last season.

Mourinho is certain to make a persuasive case for Lampard, who celebrates his 30th birthday in eight days' time, to move to Italy and the Serie A club are prepared to back Mourinho's judgment with a lucrative offer.

Age also forms part of Lampard's dilemma, as this could be last opportunity for him to move abroad to play for one of the Continent's big clubs. Should he leave that move another couple of seasons, it could be too late.

But Lampard feels an emotional attachment to Chelsea and is also keen to stay close to his two sisters and father following the recent death of his mother.

The former West Ham star had also been anxious to see who Chelsea decided to appoint as Avram Grant's successor and the sense of intrigue surrounding the new coach is certainly a pull factor.