Frank Lampard's future at Chelsea looks less certain after reports emanating from Italy claim that Inter Milan are preparing to offer Chelsea a part-exchange deal of £12million (€15million) plus Brazilian striker Adriano.

During his first press conference as new Chelsea manager last week, Luiz Felipe Scolari stated his intention to keep Lampard at The Bridge, soon after a transfer bid from Internazionale worth £7.95million (€9m) was rejected by the Chelsea board.

Lampard, who has one year left on his contract, is still refusing to sign a new four-year contract reported to be worth £140,000 a week, leading to heavier speculation that the England midfielder wants to reunite with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Last week, Nerazzurri director Gabriele Oriali spoke of Lampard’s desire to secure the move, saying: "What is certain is the player wants strongly to come to Inter."

According to The Observer, a source close to Scolari says he is concerned that the transfer move is now certain, with Inter said to be offering a new increased cash offer, plus Brazilian striker Adriano, who is understood to be keen on linking-up with his former Seleçao boss Scolari.

“Scolari wanted to build a midfield with Lampard alongside Deco and doesn't see any problem having both players in his ideal starting XI," The Observer’s Italian insider said.

“But he believes other people with interests in the transfer taking place are continuing to talk.”

Scolari has recently failed in his bid to sign Real Madrid and Brazil striker Robinho after Real refused to negotiate over a transfer, so the Portuguese tactician may accept the part-exchange deal for the rejuvenated forward who, during a six-month loan spell at Brazilian champions São Paulo, scored 17 goals in 28 matches for the Tricolor Paulista.

Adriano’s agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, said: “Mourinho and Adriano have met and talked, but I can't say how this meeting went.”

“The player is flying back from Rio de Janeiro to Milan next week, as the pre-season starts on Wednesday,” finishing with “I will neither confirm nor deny that he will be exchanged for Lampard.”

26-year-old Adriano – Full name Adriano Leite Ribeiro - moved to Internazionale from Flamengo in 2001, but has spent time on-loan with Fiorentina, Parma and more recently São Paulo, but is keen on a move to the English Premier League, so may prove to be the perfect answer for Scolari, who is in need of strengthening Chelsea’s striking options.