Hanging on to Lampard Scolari´s top task

Frank Lampard's continued presence at Chelsea this season will be one of the top tasks of Luiz Felipe Scolari when the new Stamford Bridge boss officially starts work at the club on Tuesday.

The 2002 World Cup winning coach with Brazil will also have the task of trying to hang on to defender Ricardo Carvalho, as well as England international Lampard.

Scolari has a week to settle in before the players return from their summer break from the club scene and he has been known to be on the lookout for a number of purchases, including Real Madrid striker Robinho.

Lampard has one year remaining on his current contract and the holidaying midfielder has refused to rule out a move to Inter Milan when quizzed over his future.

The Blues insist they have received no bids from any club for the England international despite reports suggesting Inter Milan are ready to offer him a four-year deal worth 7.1 million pounds (nine million euros).

Lampard, 30, is currently enjoying the sun with his wife and children on a luxury yacht cruising off the coast of Italy.

Lampard looked happy and relaxed as he ate an ice cream and browsed stalls at a street market in Taormina near Catania, Sicily.

“Inter? Let's wait and see,” said Lampard when questioned about a proposed move. “For the moment I am here on holiday with my family. My future at Chelsea? I don't know anything yet.

“Italy is a beautiful country but I am not due to meet anyone here.”

Scolari also looks as though he will lose defender Carvalho, another target for former Blues boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

Chelsea were planning to hold contract talks with the Portugal international, who has only just started a holiday because of his involvement in Euro 2008.