Chelsea and Inter Milan remain at odds over the future of Frank Lampard, the England midfielder.

A day of claim and counter claim, began when Chelsea said they had rejected Inter's approach for Lampard, adding not only had they not received a financial offer, but they would "not enter into any discussion" regarding the transfer of the player.

However, Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, then hit back by insisting the Serie A club have made an offer and remain optimistic of landing Lampard despite Luiz Felipe Scolari, in his first press conference as manager, insisting the player has told him he would stay at the club.

The waters were further muddied when Sky Sports News carried unsubstantiated reports this evening that Inter had tabled a bid approaching £8 million for Lampard, that after Steve Kutner, the player's agent, had thrown the situation into further doubt by saying that despite his client's wishes, Lampard's future remains unresolved.

"I'd just like to make the situation clear," Kutner said. "Felipe had a very amicable chat with Frank, who told him he always envisaged ending his playing career at Chelsea football club.

"He also told him that unfortunately terms for a new contract cannot be agreed with the board, despite discussions having been ongoing for over two years. This, coupled with everything that happened to Frank at the end of last season, means his position remains completely unresolved."

Reports had suggested Lampard would decide his future by the end of the week, with indications that was inclined to delay his departure for at least one more season. Earlier the club had released a statement that read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has received an official approach from Internazionale to discuss the possible transfer of Frank Lampard.

"Contrary to reports, no financial offer was made. Chelsea FC has informed Inter this morning that we will not enter into any discussion regarding the transfer of Frank Lampard."

However, Moratti insists Inter remain in the hunt for the player.

"They replied that they have no intention of negotiating, as was their right. Now we will see," Moratti said. In response to Chelsea's claim that they had received "no financial offer" for Lampard, Moratti added: "This is not true. There's an offer and we confirm it. However, we don't want to create any big problems.

"Am I optimistic? We will see."

Lampard’s contract runs out at the end of next season and he could move to another club on a free transfer, but Chelsea are confident that he will sign a four-year, £130,000-a-week deal before the start of the new campaign.