Lampard has been embroiled in a contractual row with the
Blues in recent times, as he is demanding an extra year on the
proposed extension being offered by the club, while they are
unwilling to meet his demands.
Italian giants Internazionale are in pursuit of the attacking
midfielder, having made three or four reported bids and seeing them
all rebuffed by the Blues, who seem to be prepared to lose the
30-year-old on a free transfer a year from now rather than let him
leave on his and their own terms this summer.
The temptation of linking up with former Chelsea manager Jose
Mourinho, with whom Lampard had a tremendous professional
relationship, looks to have convinced the former West Ham United
man that Inter is the place for him to further challenge himself.
Rumours have even been circulating that he will demand a transfer
or even attempt to buy himself out of his contract under article 17
of FIFA's regulations, even though doing so at such a late stage in
the summer will almost certainly result in a fine and brief
suspension.
John Terry, a good friend of Lampard and fellow fan favourite, has
revealed a little of what the two have been saying to each other of
the transfer saga. "I'm very good friends with Frank and we have
spoken about it, but the situation is ongoing with the club and
Frank," he explained.
"The players and Frank all want him to stay, but it's down to Frank
and the club to sort it out. We are here to focus on the football,
but hopefully while he's here the club can sort it out."