Jose Mourinho calls time on Frank Lampard bid

Jose Mourinho appeared last night to have given up on his summer-long quest to land Frank Lampard.

The former Chelsea boss declared the England midfielder wanted to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho had looked set to sign Lampard after his contract dispute with the Blues lurched into open warfare.

Inter had two bids rejected by Chelsea, who were willing to risk Lampard walking out for nothing next June at the end of his current deal rather than cashing in this summer.

But with suggestions that the Blues are willing to relent and offer Lampard the five-year deal he has demanded, after he rejected the £140,000 per week four-year terms that were on offer, Mourinho gave the clearest signal yet that he has finally discounted the midfielder from his plans.

Mourinho said: "I am not disappointed by what is happening.

"What is important is that he does what makes him happy. If his decision is to remain at Chelsea because he is happier, then I must accept that."

His words was echoed by Inter sporting director Gabriele Oriali, who said the £12.7million capture of Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari represented the end of Inter's summer spending.

Oriali said: "Muntari is the last buy."

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