Wednesday 12 March, 2008

Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez are being touted as early favourites to take the Inter hot seat after Roberto Mancini's shock decision to quit the club.

Last night was damaging for the Nerazzurri who were eliminated from the Champions League by Liverpool and saw Mancio declare his departure at the end of the campaign.

Mancini, who is under contract until 2012, had been expected to remain at the helm for the foreseeable future, despite whispers that there is some dissent in the ranks following recent rows with Patrick Vieira and Luis Figo.

While it remains to be seen whether the Beneamata boss’ threat was merely post-match bitterness or a genuine resignation, the rumour mill is already in gear.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho is said to be in pole position to take the hot seat should Mancini move on.

The Special One has been looking for a prestigious club since leaving Stamford Bridge unexpectedly early this season and is highly rated by Inter chief Massimo Moratti.

Mourinho recently told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I have great respect for Moratti as a man who really loves football and also for his club.”

However, there are suggestions that Inter wouldn’t be able to meet the expected wage demands of at least £4m per year.

Ironically, Liverpool’s Benitez is also strongly linked to the post after inflicting the defeat that sparked the crisis.

The Spanish mastermind is expected to leave Anfield in the summer with his position compromised by his poor relationship with the club’s owners.

Moratti’s determination to secure the Champions League may lead him to a proven master of European football and few have better credentials than the third man to secure the UEFA Cup and Champions League in consecutive seasons.

The final name in the frame at the moment is Fiorentina’s Cesare Prandelli, who has worked wonders in Tuscany.

Moratti has made no secret of his admiration for the Viola man, but may struggled to prise him away from a club he has pledged his future to.