EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea wrap up search for new coach ... and it points to Scolari

Details of the contract were finalised last week in one of the best-kept secrets in football history.

Scolari has long been the favourite to succeed Avram Grant and the fact that an announcement has not yet been made points to the Portugal manager.

Done deal: But Scolari is not someone who likes to commit his future in public

It would have to be a coach involved in the European Championship and while Russia's Guus Hiddink cannot be dismissed, Scolari has long let it be known that he will not be distracted from his job during a major tournament.

He said as much last Friday in his press conference in Neuchatel, even though he refused to rule out a move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the tournament.

The FA know from bitter experience that Scolari is not someone who likes to commit his future in public to another employer while under contract.

He rejected their advances two years ago because chief executive Brian Barwick wanted to unveil him as the new England manager before the 2006 World Cup.

That would be reason enough for Chelsea to keep developments under wraps and would explain why the club appear so relaxed. Chief executive Peter Kenyon is understood to be on holiday in Italy and has let it be known the club are happy with their progress in recruiting a new boss.

Hiddink remains an alternative and has been repeatedly linked with a move to Chelsea because an extension to his contract with Russia, taking him to the end of the 2010 World Cup Finals, had only been agreed in principle rather than in writing.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been urged by Fabio Capello to consider a move to Inter Milan. 'I don't know if Lampard will go to Inter,' said England's Italian coach. 'It is up to him to decide. But for every new experience you are richer.'

Though Chelsea are keen on a deal that would see Didier Drogba head to AC Milan and Kaka move to Stamford Bridge, they would be less keen to sell Lampard, and new contract talks are expected to begin once the midfielder returns from holiday.

Barcelona's Portugal international Deco, meanwhile, confirmed he is deciding whether to move to Chelsea or Inter, who have just appointed ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, the midfielder's coach when