Go away, Jose: Lampard to stay says Scolari — but then Inter move in

Jose Mourinho tried to wreck Luiz Felipe Scolari's first big day as Chelsea manager by making a £7.9million bid for Frank Lampard.

Inter Milan put in their first concrete offer for the England midfielder yesterday afternoon after Scolari had insisted Lampard was staying at Stamford Bridge.

The Italians had a request to open negotiations on Sunday rejected but still tabled a bid on an amazing day of political infighting at Chelsea.

It started with Scolari, who described himself as a 'fighter' when he was introduced to the press, trying to show predecessor Mourinho that he is now the Blues master. Inter manager Mourinho, who is still close to Lampard having spent three years at Chelsea, had claimed the 30-year-old's future lay with him in Italy either this season or next.

But Scolari chose his first public appearance in the new job to contradict Mourinho and claim a new deal is almost done with the midfielder, who is in the final year of his contract.

He said: 'I met Frank and asked him if he wants to stay at Chelsea for not only this season but for longer. After 15 minutes, he said he wants to stay and wants to play for Chelsea for many years. Chelsea need Lampard and he likes Chelsea. There are minimum questions to solve it and he will be here for more than a year.'

Blow below the belt: Inter made Lampard bid on Scolari's first day

That declaration backfired when those close to Lampard believed he had been misrepresented and a series of meetings were required to prevent permanent damage being done from the row which followed.

Lampard had an exchange with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon in the club's training ground canteen shortly after the press conference and Scolari met him later to make their peace.

The new manager that Chelsea's finances were not his business but his comments had forced Lampard on to the defensive in negotiations.

The England international's agent, Steve Kutner, said: 'Felipe had a very amicable chat with Frank, who told him he always envisaged ending his playing career at Chelsea.

'He also told him that unfortunately the terms for a new contract cannot be agreed with the board despite discussions having been ongoing for over two years. This, coupled with everything that happened to Frank at the end of last season, means his position remains completely unresolved.'

While both clubs are prepared to offer Lampard a four-year deal, it is believed Chelsea are falling short of his wage expectations. Keeping Lampard looks like Scolari's top priority. He said: 'I never bought Deco thinking there is no place for Lampard. They can play together. They have different qualities.

Making small talk: New Chelsea boss Scolari meets the media

'I don't know what has happened before. I never asked. I arrived and tried to make sure there is a good relationship between me, the players and the club. Now it is a business negotiation for Lampard and the club. I have said to everybody that I want him to stay and my job is done.'

Scolari, who also claimed Didier Drogba was '200 per cent' sure to be staying, said that he would have become England manager two years ago but for the FA's weakness.

Scolari revealed he wants a maximum of 25 players in his squad, meaning five players will be heading out.

Claude Makelele, who interests PSG, looks like being one of them. Branislav Ivanovic and Steve Sidwell are also vulnerable, along with some younger squad members who may go on loan.

Other senior players could be forced out once Scolari has seen his squad train for a week if he believes further additions are required.

But Ronaldinho is unlikely to be one of the signings after the new manager indicated he would be going to Manchester City.