'Keep your hands off Kaka, Scolari'

Lampard, who has one year left on his contract, has consistently said that he does not want to leave Chelsea but is looking for an improved deal which puts him in line with other top earners such as John Terry and Michael Ballack.

Jose Mourinho, who has just taken over at Inter Milan, has kept in touch with Lampard since he left Chelsea last season and rates him extremely highly.

Mourinho is certain to make a persuasive case for Lampard, who celebrates his 30th birthday in eight days' time, to move to Italy and the Serie A club are prepared to back Mourinho's judgement with a lucrative offer.

Age also forms part of Lampard's dilemma, as this could be last opportunity for him to move abroad to play for one of the continent's big clubs. Should he leave that move another couple of seasons, it could be too late.

But Lampard feels an emotional attachment to Chelsea and is also keen to stay close to his two sisters and father following the recent death of his mother.

The former West Ham star had also been anxious to see who Chelsea decide to appoint as Avram Grant's successor and the sense of intrigue surrounding the new coach is certainly a pull factor.

Brazilian Leonardo, believes Scolari's appointment to be a hugely positive move for Chelsea and expects him to deliver the Champions League.

The 38-year-old said: "Chelsea were the nearly team last season. They came so close to the Champions League and Premier League. I think Scolari can bring something more to them, so they arrive at the right result next time.

"He has a big personality, but at the same time tries to understand the players, how they want to play and how to put them in the best condition."