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JOSE MOURINHO has given up hope of signing Frank Lampard thissummer.

Inter Milan boss Mourinho accepts Chelsea star Lamps will start theseason at Stamford Bridge — and is now prepared to wait 12months to get him.

The Special One said: For Lampard, it will be easier to play withChelsea until the end of his contract rather than break it now, allof a sudden.

It seems to me difficult for him to be able to come here now.It’s easier that he comes next season.

That is a big boost for new Chelsea chief Big Phil Scolari, whowants midfielder Lampard to stay.

Scolari has spoken to Lamps every day since taking charge threeweeks ago. And he believes he is slowly talking the 30-year-oldEngland ace around as he underlines his ambitious plans for nextseason.

As Chelsea arrived in China for the start of their Far East tour,Scolari said: Every day I have spoken to Frank about how we canwin games together at Chelsea.

We are constantly talking about what is the best way for Chelseato play and what is the best position for him.

He is training very well. The most important thing is that he ishere with us.

Lampard is refusing to sign Chelsea’s offer of a four-yearcontract worth ?30,000 a week and wants a five-year deal or a moveto Inter.

But Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon said: The fact Frank ishere on tour with us is an important statement.

We have always said that we want him to stay and we are confidentthat is what will happen.