World Kick Off

Footbal News-Newly appointed Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly made Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard his top priority in the transfer market…

The Special One is almost certain to raid his old hunting ground at Stamford Bridge this summer as he seeks to stamp his mark on the Inter squad, and club president Massimo Moratti is expected to back his new manager to the hilt.

The charismatic Portuguese is expected to have around ₤100 million to work with between now and the end of August, but Moratti has claimed he does not expect wholesale changes.

“I have read lots of names but I have yet to speak with him [Mourinho] about the transfer market,” he said. “I would like to change very little of this squad which has won so much.”

Mega Buys

Such a statement suggests the Nerazzurri are in the market for a few choice mega-buys, a modus operandi Mourinho is more than familiar with following his tenure under Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich.

One of those Blues buys was Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien, for whom the former Porto boss was recently reported to be lining up a ₤24 million bid.

The former Lyon star has established himself among the best box-to-box players in the world in recent seasons, and hence Chelsea will be loath to let one of their most consistent and dangerous performers leave.

Shift

With that move looking increasingly unfeasible, Mourinho has shifted his attention slightly further up the pitch to Lampard, with whom he has been constantly linked since departing west London in September.

The England international is yet to agree a new contract with the Blues, who have so far failed to meet his wage demands of over ₤130,000-per-week.

The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, and with increased competition next season from resurgent German star Michael Ballack and upcoming Nigerian John Obi Mikel, a move to San Siro could prove too tempting for Lampard to refuse.

The former West Ham man could be just one among several Mourinho loyalists set to make the switch, with striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho also reported to be seeking a Chelsea exit.

Mike Maguire