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Lampard is staying at Chelsea insists Scolari

08/07/2008

New Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has insisted Inter Milan target Frank Lampard is staying at Stamford Bridge.

Giving his first news conference as Chelsea manager the Brazilian said Lampard told him he wanted to stay with the Blues.

"I met Frank Lampard yesterday and I spoke to him: I like him as a player and as a person. I asked him if he wanted to stay at Chelsea not only this season but in the future. He said to me after 15 minutes that he wants to stay and he wants to play for Chelsea for many years," Scolari told journalists.

"I was very happy because I think Chelsea needs Lampard," Scolari continued, adding that it would take "minimum questions" to tie Lampard down to a new deal.

Lampard, 30, has one year remaining on his Blues deal and has been linked with a move to rejoin former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at the San Siro.

Earlier Chelsea rejected an official approach from Inter Milan to open negotiations over the transfer of Lampard.

The club confirmed they had rejected Inter's approach to begin transfer negotiations but denied reports a £6.5 million bid had been tabled.

"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," a statement on the club's official website said.

"Chelsea FC has informed Inter this morning that we will not enter into any discussions regarding the transfer of Frank Lampard."