Lampard was strongly linked with the Italian champions in recent weeks, and the signing of Deco from Barcelona stirred the speculation.

However, former Chelsea boss Mourinho is aware that the Blues will not sacrifice the midfield marvel.

"I don’t think Lampard can come this season," Mourinho told Portuguese TV channel TVI.

"Why won't he? Well, it's not because we don't want him to, but I'm sure Chelsea and Chelsea's officials don't want to sell him.

"However, for the next season it will be easier for him to join me at Inter. I'm 100 per cent sure in 2009/2010 he will be playing here."

Lampard, alongside Didier Drogba, was poised to leave Stamford Bridge after Mourinho's departure in September 2007.