However, amid increasing dressing-room unrest, he offered to quit this season when his team were knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool, only to be talked out of it.

He has made no secret of his wish to work in England, but following Inter’s title success yesterday with a 2-0 victory over Parma, club president Massimo Moratti said: “Mancini will be staying, no one should worry about that.”

Chelsea’s interest in departing Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has cooled.

Inter have now targeted Lampard, who is still unwilling to sign a new contract on offer.

But the England midfielder is waiting to to see who his manager will be before making any move – particularly if it turns out to be Mourinho.

That, though, now looks unlikely with Fiorentina chief Cesare Prandelli favourite to succeed Mancini if he carries through his threat to leave.

The beleaguered Grant said last night: “I can’t say that anything has surprised me this year.

“I know exactly how big clubs need to behave and the vision they need.

“I don’t think I’ve changed. I am the same manager with the same thinking. But sometimes the club has other demands.

“You know when you are at a top club, you win nine games in a row, which was a record, and then draw – and it is a disaster.

“It’s better to think before about the situations that can come, before they happen, and be prepared.”

Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell is close to agreeing a £4.5million move to Aston Villa.