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Inter Milan have opened negotiations to sign Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard, BBC Sport understands.
The Serie A club are believed to have sent a fax to Chelsea to begin the process of reuniting the 30-year-old with former Blues coach Jose Mourinho.
Earlier this month, Mourinho, who became Inter boss in June, said he did not expect to sign Lampard this summer.
The ex-West Ham star is into the final year of his Chelsea contract and is yet to commit his future to the club.
Reports on Monday suggested that the opening offer from Inter was £6.5m for Lampard, who is set to leave for free next summer.
The recent arrival at Stamford Bridge of Portugal central midfielder Deco, who was also courted by Mourinho and who has joined the Blues on a two-year deal from Barcelona, may hasten Lampard's exit.
There are also reports circulating that Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could be set for a reunion with Mourinho.
The Portuguese boss indicated last month that he would like to work with the Ivory Coast international again.
"I cannot forget Deco, Lampard and Drogba. These are players who I could never say no to," stated Mourinho.
"I would love to work with them again in the future but I am not too obsessed with this idea."
He added: "I don't know which of these three will leave their clubs but we will see." If Mourinho bids for Drogba then he may face a fight for his signature from local rivals AC Milan, whose technical director Leonardo told BBC Sport that they are also keen on the forward
The Serie A club are believed to have sent a fax to Chelsea to begin the process of reuniting the 30-year-old with former Blues coach Jose Mourinho.
Earlier this month, Mourinho, who became Inter boss in June, said he did not expect to sign Lampard this summer.
The ex-West Ham star is into the final year of his Chelsea contract and is yet to commit his future to the club.
Reports on Monday suggested that the opening offer from Inter was £6.5m for Lampard, who is set to leave for free next summer.
The recent arrival at Stamford Bridge of Portugal central midfielder Deco, who was also courted by Mourinho and who has joined the Blues on a two-year deal from Barcelona, may hasten Lampard's exit.
There are also reports circulating that Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could be set for a reunion with Mourinho.
The Portuguese boss indicated last month that he would like to work with the Ivory Coast international again.
"I cannot forget Deco, Lampard and Drogba. These are players who I could never say no to," stated Mourinho.
"I would love to work with them again in the future but I am not too obsessed with this idea."
He added: "I don't know which of these three will leave their clubs but we will see." If Mourinho bids for Drogba then he may face a fight for his signature from local rivals AC Milan, whose technical director Leonardo told BBC Sport that they are also keen on the forward