Chelsea's transfer plans continued to generate plenty of smoke without producing much fire yesterday, after Massimo Moratti, the Inter Milan president, asserted that they have opened negotiations to sign Frank Lampard while it is also claimed that Deco, the Portugal midfield player, is close to moving to Stamford Bridge.

Inter's interest in Lampard is longstanding and has been increased by the appointment of José Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager, as coach two weeks ago, although the West London club's desire to keep hold of their vice-captain is just as strong. Chelsea insisted last night that they have not spoken to Inter and will not do so until they have held discussions with Lampard over a new contract, which they are expected to do when he returns from holiday next week.

“We like Lampard and he's our No1 objective,” Moratti said. “Mourinho likes Lampard a lot. Everybody considers him a great player, but this doesn't mean that getting him is easy. However, I believe that contacts with Chelsea are under way.”

Moratti's comments appear to be an attempt to force Chelsea's hand. The England midfield player has one year remaining on his contract and has indicated his desire to stay, despite the attraction of being reunited with Mourinho.

Deco appears confident of following Luiz Felipe Scolari, the present Portugal coach, to Chelsea - telling friends that the deal is all but concluded. Chelsea are monitoring the 30-year-old's position at Barcelona, who have said he can leave for £15million, but consider him as a potential replacement for Lampard rather than a team-mate and are convinced that Deco's camp are driving the deal. Scolari may yet change the club's thinking, but he has yet to speak to the player about a transfer. “There's interest from Chelsea, which is normal, but Scolari hasn't said anything to me,” Deco said.

Scolari yesterday received the surprise backing of Mourinho despite the pair clashing when the Inter coach was at FC Porto. “I congratulate him for the work he has done for Portugal and wish him a lot of luck at 'my' Chelsea,” Mourinho said. “Chelsea will be always 'mine' and always be in my heart, unless the Champions League draw puts us face to face.”