Mourinho nears Inter hot-seat after Moratti meeting

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho smiles during a press conference at Stamford Bridge Stadium, London, September 2007. Mourinho is close to being named the new boss of Inter Milan according to Italian press reports following the release of pictures of the Portuguese coach meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti in Paris.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is close to being named the new boss of Inter Milan according to Italian press reports following the release of pictures of the Portuguese coach meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti in Paris.

The lunch meeting allegedly took place on Friday with other Inter officials also reported to have attended.

Gazetto dello Sport claimed on Saturday that the meeting was held to discuss transfer targets, more specifically a 30-million-euro (46.6-million-dollar) bid for Barcelona's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.

Mourinho has been out of the game since leaving Chelsea by mutual consent early last season.

He had won two Premier League titles with the London club, the FA Cup and two League Cups in just over three seasons.

Before that he coached FC Porto to the Champions League crown, UEFA Cup, two league titles and a Portuguese Cup in an incredible two-year period from 2002-2004.

Mourinho is expected to replace Roberto Mancini who was sacked as coach of the Serie A champions on Thursday, despite having just led them to a third successive league title.

The 43-year-old former Italy international striker, is consequently favoured to take over at Chelsea.