Mourinho denies he's about to join Inter

Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said on Saturday he had not gone to Milan and was not close to signing a deal with Serie A leaders Inter.

Mourinho's personal adviser Eladio Parames said on Friday that the Portuguese had gone for talks with Inter directors. Other media reports said Mourinho had met club president Massimo Moratti but Mourinho denied this.

"I say clearly that it is not true that I went to Milan, nor that I met Moratti whom I don't know personally," Mourinho was quoted as saying by Portuguese national agency Lusa.

"It is false that I am on the point of signing for Inter."

The Italian champions have made no official statement but Moratti said on Thursday he was tired of denying rumours. Club directors were in Rome for Saturday's late league game at Lazio.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini announced earlier this month that he would resign at the end of the season, before changing his mind. His position has remained unclear, however, and Italian media have long linked Mourinho with the job. (Reuters)