Inter step up Lampard chase

Friday 18 July 2008 15:48 BST
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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has claimed that Frank Lampard has given his "approval" to join the Italian champions if they agree a fee with Chelsea.

Moratti had previously suggested the 30-year-old midfielder was torn between staying at Stamford Bridge and moving to the San Siro.

However, he told his club's official website, www.inter.it: "For the acquisition of Lampard we need to have patience. We have the player's approval but we have to respect Chelsea's rights.

"His club have every right to keep him."

Lampard has a year left on his current deal and Inter coach Jose Mourinho, his former boss at Chelsea, has earmarked him as his priority in the transfer market.

Mourinho stated earlier in the week that he is prepared to wait until late in the transfer window to sign him, with his patience echoed by Moratti's comments.

New Chelsea signing Deco believes Lampard's quality is needed to win the Champions League for the first time.

"Frank is a fantastic player I have played against many times," he said.

"I have also seen him in training and he is a delight to watch because he works very hard. He has a first class attitude and I am looking forward to playing with him.

"I want to play with him. I'm not sure he will stay but it would be great if he did and we can all play together. You need great players to win the Champions League and he is a great player."

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