Mourinho's still a Lampard fan

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho regards Frank Lampard as "the best professional I have ever worked with" as speculation continues over the future of the Chelsea midfielder.

Ever since former Blues boss Mourinho took the reins at the San Siro Lampard has been linked with a move to the Serie A giants.

Speaking to Ford's FeelFootball.com debate programme Mourinho said: "Frank Lampard is a different kind of person, not so extroverted. He is the best professional I have ever worked with."

He added: "He's the player that trains better, has more concentration, more commitment and is always focused on himself."

The 30-year-old is reported to be refusing to accept Chelsea's four-year contract offer while the Nerazzurri have already had two bids rejected for the England midfielder.

Chelsea are adamant they will not sell the player but attempts to get Lampard to sign a new, long-term contract have failed and his agent, Steve Kutner, claims that his client's situation is "completely unresolved".

Lampard's contract talks have been ongoing for two years without a successful conclusion and Chelsea are in danger of allowing the midfielder to walk away on a free transfer in 12 months' time.

And Mourinho admitted Lampard has a number of qualities which he looks for in a professional footballer and potential signings.

He added: "He is never happy about his performance, always wants to improve, always wants to learn. If he makes a mistake in a game, the next day in training he wants to stay one more hour to practice exactly that situation.

"I remember he missed a goal once with a difficult left-foot volley and the next day in training he was there one hour after the training session practising that volley with the left foot."