Monday 31 March, 2008

Despite formal denials, Press reports suggest that Jose Mourinho met with Massimo Moratti in Paris a fortnight ago.

Since Roberto Mancini’s attempted resignation after the Nerazzurri’s Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool, there has been constant speculation that he may be replaced at the end of the season.

Former Chelsea tactician Mourinho has emerged as the favourite to take the post, but he has denied any meeting with Moratti.

However, a spokesman has admitted that there were talks and reports in Portugal state that Moratti met with Mourinho and his agent Jorge Mendes in Paris two weeks ago to draft a provisional agreement.

It has also emerged that Inter directors Marco Branca and Gabriele Oriali met with Mourinho in Setubal with the Sunday Mirror insisting that the ex-Porto mastermind demanded a £5.6m contract for four years.

Mourinho would be expected to bring his complete staff, including fitness Coach Rui Farias, goalkeeping Coach Silvino and Andrei Villas Boas as chief scout.

The Special One is also allegedly determined to work with Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard in his next post and could demand the pair are brought to San Siro.

Inter are now seen as more likely than Barcelona and Real Madrid to secure Mourinho’s services.