Milan, July 7:

Inter Milan is stepping up their bid to reunite Frank Lampard with Jose Mourinho.

The Milan club have sent a fax to Chelsea asking to open negotiations for the midfielder, the Gazzetta dello Sport reported today. Mourinho, who was recently hired to replace Roberto Mancini at Inter, coached Lampard for three seasons at Chelsea.

Inter are reportedly willing to pay a $15.7 million transfer fee for Lampard, and has ready a four-year contract worth $11.75 million per season. Lampard is known for his consistency with Chelsea, having played in 62 games for the club last season.

In December, 2005, a virus forced him to break a record streak of 164 consecutive games played in the Premier League. However, England fans have been frustrated by Lampard’s performances for the national team, where he struggles to make an impact alongside Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard in midfield.