The door remains open for Frank Lampard to make a move to Internazionale after Jose Mourinho admitted the Italian champions are still searching for a midfielder.

Mourinho won two Premier League titles with Lampard while at Chelsea and has had a bid rejected by the London club, who say they will not enter into negotiations over a transfer.

Lampard is reportedly torn over whether he should move to Italy and Mourinho is willing to wait.

"The transfer window is open until August 31 and we need a midfielder. Lampard is at Chelsea, but I have worked really well with him," Mourinho said on Inter's first day back for pre-season training.

The Portuguese coach, who left Chelsea last September, took over at the Guiseppe Meazza in June after Roberto Mancini's sacking.

Mourinho also has his eye on compatriot Ricardo Quaresma but wants to trim down a bulging squad first.

"I like Quaresma, but he is at Porto. Anyway, the squad needs trimming. I want to work with 22 players at most, plus the goalkeepers," Mourinho said.

The coach had words of wisdom for Brazilian striker Adriano, who has returned to Inter after recovering his form and fitness on loan at Sao Paolo.

Adriano arrived at Inter's training ground saying he would give his all and score lots of goals.

"The words I've heard are positive," Mourinho said. "But tomorrow I want to see him really tired after the first training session."

The charismatic Mourinho, who said he was pleased city rivals Milan had bought Ronaldinho because it reflected well on Serie A, also warned his new troops as a whole.

"If I arrive at training an hour and half early I cannot accept it if someone arrives late," he growled.

"Fines are not important but if I say 10 then training starts at 10. If there are only 14 players, I'll coach the 14. The others can go home and stay there also on Sundays."

Reuters