Jose Mourinho has convinced Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti that signing Frank Lampard should be the club's "number one" priority this summer.

Since the arrival of former Chelsea coach Mourinho at the San Siro speculation has been rife that the Italian champions were set to make a bid for the Blues midfielder.

Earlier in the month Moratti insisted that the Portuguese boss was yet to decide who he wanted the club to sign, but today the Nerazzurri president was clear in his intentions about England international Lampard.

"Lampard? We like him, and he's our number one objective," Moratti told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. "Mourinho likes Lampard a lot. We all know that he's a great player."

Moratti also admitted negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit may have already started, adding: "Has there been contact with Chelsea? I think there has but I don't know yet."

The departure of Lampard from London would leave a gaping hole in the Chelsea midfield but would also afford Ghana international Michael Essien the chance to stake a claim in the position.

The former Lyon player excelled there when in France and on the international stage but has been used as a utility player for much of his time in London, covering various positions in defence and midfield.