Lampard, 30, has not signed a fresh contract at Stamford Bridge and Inter coach Mourinho is ready to bide his time to sign him before the end of the next campaign, when he would be available on a Bosman free transfer.

"The transfer market is open until August 31 and we need a midfielder," said the former Chelsea boss on the opening day of Inter's pre-season training.

"Lampard is a Chelsea player but I have worked really well with him. I also like Ricardo Quaresma but he is at Porto."

Chelsea have not indicated a willingness to sell, although new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has added Deco to his midfield options for next season.