MOURINHO READY TO WAIT FOR LAMPARD

The Italian champions have been linked with the 30-year-old England international all summer but no deal has been reached, and the Portuguese manager admits the transfer will now be "difficult" to complete.

Instead, he believes Lampard is more likely to move on a free transfer if and when his Stamford Bridge contract expires next summer. "It seems to me difficult for him to be able to come here now, it's easier that he comes next season," said the former Blues boss.

"For Lampard, it will be easier to play with Chelsea until the end of his contract rather than break it now, all of a sudden."