Adriano's agent has remained tight-lipped on reports saying the Inter Milan striker could be used as bait in a bid for Chelsea's Frank Lampard.Inter are hoping to sign Lampard and have already seen a near £8million offer for the England midfielder rejected.

The Italian champions' president Massimo Moratti stated on Saturday that it is now up to the player, who has yet to agree a contract extension at Chelsea.

The latest speculation claims Inter will offer Brazilian striker Adriano plus cash in a bid to tempt Chelsea into a sale.

Adriano's future at Giuseppe Meazza is uncertain after talks with new coach Jose Mourinho and his representative Gilmar Rinaldi did not confirm reports he could swap places with Lampard.

"Mourinho and Adriano have met and talked, but I can't say how this meeting went," Rinaldi told Observer Sport. "The player is flying back from Rio de Janeiro to Milan next week as the pre-season starts on Wednesday.

"I will neither confirm nor deny that he will be exchanged for Lampard."

Meanwhile, Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira says Lampard would be welcome at the club and believes the 30-year-old would improve the team.

Vieira told the Sunday Mirror: "It will be a big challenge for him, but at the same time it will be a fantastic one.

"Would he be welcome at Inter? He is a fantastic player and you want to play with players of that class. It will be one more good player.

"If Frank comes here then we will be stronger. The better players you have then the better chance you have."

More Football News from TEAMtalk