Players desperate to impress Big Phil, says Cole

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Cole met Scolari for the first time along with most of the squad yesterday and says the battle is on to make an impact.

The Brazilian will be officially unveiled at a press conference this lunchtime as Chelsea, for the first time since 2003, prepare for a new season without Jose Mourinho at the helm.

Cole said: "This pre-season will be really hard. He seems like a good and fair guy, but a lot of players will be trying to impress and get in the starting line-up.

"Everyone wants to make a good impression. When a new manager comes in, it's a case of starting again. There are no favourites." But Cole insists Scolari's arrival has lifted the club six weeks after their Champions League Final defeat to Manchester United.

He added: "I'm glad to be back after a disappointing end to last season. I think the lads wanted to return as soon as possible and get back into the swing of things. Really exciting times are ahead."

Meanwhile, Chelsea insist they have still yet to receive an offer for midfielder Frank Lampard from Inter Milan.

Reports in Italy state that the England international, who reported to training yesterday, has agreed a four-year deal worth £115,000 per week after tax and that the clubs have begun talks over a £6.5m transfer.

Inter Milan's general manager Ernesto Paolillo said a deal is a long way from completion and added: "Mourinho likes Lampard, but there is always a relation between quality and price. If it is not possible to get him we will try something else."

AC Milan have confirmed striker Didier Drogba is still one of their targets, but fear he is not for sale.

Sporting director Umberto Gandini said: "Didier Drogba is one of the players we want, but he is under contract and doesn't seem available for transfer at the moment."