Deco's been off the pace for years, claims Barca's Laporta

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Portugal midfielder Deco was reunited with his former national team manager Luiz Felipe Scolari at the end of last month after Chelsea paid £8million for the 30-year-old.

Get a move on: Deco trails in a group led by Lampard at training on Friday

But the relatively low transfer fee has fuelled criticism of Laporta's regime and eight directors walked out on Thursday after the Barca chief refused to resign despite a vote of no confidence from club members.

But Laporta yesterday insisted Barcelona had got the better of the Deco deal, adding the player should not be 'idolised'. 'In the previous two seasons he was one of the players with the lowest level of performance, for whatever reason,' said Laporta.

'He is 30 years old and his career is coming to an end.' Deco would seem to be a suitable replacement for Frank Lampard, but Chelsea are resisting sustained pressure to sell to Inter Milan.

Inter manager Jose Mourinho's gushing praise of Lampard and club director Gabriele Oriali's assertion that the 30-year-old wants to move to the San Siro have only strengthened Chelsea's resolve.

An improved £10m bid has yet to arrive but when it does, Chelsea say it will be rejected. Further, the club are not prepared to meet Lampard's wish for a new five-year, £150,000-a-week deal.