Inter Milan claim Frank Lampard told them he wants to leave Chelsea

Inter Milan last night claimed Frank Lampard has finally agreed in principle to quit Chelsea for the San Siro.

The 30-year-old midfielder has failed to agree a new deal with the Blues after more than a year of negotiations, and Mirror Sport broke the story last month that he was poised to end his seven-year spell at the club.

Earlier this week we revealed that Lampard was poised to inform Chelsea chiefs of his decision and Inter president Massimo Moratti (right) let the cat out of the bag yesterday - possibly in an attempt to force Chelsea's hand.

He said: "For the acquisition of Lampard we need to have patience. We have the player's approval but we have to respect Chelsea's rights. His club have every right to keep him."

The latest twist in the Lampard saga came hours after new £8million Chelsea signing Deco had pleaded with the England star to stay at Stamford Bridge to finally end the club's Champions League hoodoo.

Deco, who has lifted the trophy with both Porto and Barcelona, said: "Frank is a fantastic player that I have played against many times.

"I have also seen him in training and he is a delight to watch because he works very hard, he has a first-class attitude and I am looking forward to playing with him.

"Of course I can play with him and I want to play with him. I am not sure he will stay but it would be great if he did so that we can all play together." The Portuguese midfielder's words, however, appear in vain with Inter boss Jose Mourinho's insistence that he will wait until the very last day of the transfer window to prise Lampard away from west London.

It now remains to be seen whether Lampard joins new Chelsea boss Luis Felipe Scolari on the club's pre-season tour of China, Malaysia and Russia, leaving tomorrow.

Deco has also urged striker Didier Drogba to commit his long-term future to Chelsea. Barca have put the Ivorian on a shortlist of strikers to replace the outgoing Samuel Eto'o, while AC Milan and Inter continue to be linked with him.

But Deco believes that with Drogba he will be able to realise his dream of entering a select group of players that have won the Champions League with three different clubs.

Deco added: "I truly believe that what I see at Chelsea is a lot of qual ity. We can win the Champions League and the Premier League title again.

"The games I have played against Chelsea in the Champions League were very difficult, but I do think that we can make history by winning it.

"In the past they have deserved to win, especially last season.

"You always have to play to the best of your ability and you also need a bit of luck, which was lacking.

"Chelsea lack nothing now - the quality here is fantastic."