MILAN (Reuters) - Frank Lampard wants to join Inter Milan but it is ultimately Chelsea's decision, the Serie A club's president Massimo Moratti said on Friday.

The Italian champions, managed by Lampard's former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, have bid for the England midfielder but the London club has so far said it is not willing to negotiate.

"For the acquisition of Lampard we need to have patience. We have the player's approval but we have to respect Chelsea's rights," Moratti said on Inter's website (www.inter.it).

"His club have every right to keep him."

Lampard has a year left on his contract at Chelsea and talks over a renewal have stalled.

Moratti said on Thursday Lampard was torn over the move but stressed it was up to the player to make the transfer happen.

The Inter owner also said the club were looking at alternative buys for the midfield, where Mourinho is keen to strengthen, in case Lampard stays in the Premier League.

(Reporting by Mark Meadows, editing by Ken Ferris)