Lampard is still staying at Chelsea

New manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said on Tuesday that Frank Lampard would remain at Chelsea for this season and beyond, emphasizing the club's denial to consider any offers for the England midfielder. Speaking at his first news conference since taking the Chelsea post, Scolari said he had spoken to Lampard and received assurances the player was still committed to the London club.

The Chelsea statement said: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has received an official approach from Internazionale to discuss the possible transfer of Frank Lampard. Contrary to reports no financial offer was made. "Chelsea FC has informed Inter this morning that we will not enter into any discussions regarding the transfer of Frank Lampard."

Inter, coached by Lampard's former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, refuted Chelsea's statement that an offer had not been made. "This is not true," Inter president Massimo Moratti said. "There's an offer and we confirm it. However, we don't want to create any big problems."

The Italian champions have made no secret of their desire to sign Lampard, who flourished under Mourinho's tutelage during the Portuguese manager's three years at Chelsea.