Ricardo Carvalho

[the wes 7,212]

Inter have long since been linked with a move for Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho, largely because the defender is known to be favoured by ex-Blues boss and current Nerazzurri coach Jose Mourinho.

The player himself attempted to dismiss speculation surrounding a future for him away from Stamford Bridge yesterday, stating that he was focused on turning out for Chelsea next season.

But Mourinho, writing in his column in the Sunday Telegraph, has blown this transfer story wide open yet again with a frank appraisal of Carvalho's prospects of playing in Italy.

The Portuguese manager wrote, "One player who would improve us at Inter is Ricardo Carvalho.

"He is not playing at Chelsea now and it looks like Alex is in front of him, so maybe it is better to let him come here and play."

One reason that the 'Special One' is looking to strengthen his back line is in order to be able to compete with Manchester United, who ousted Inter from the Champions League this season.

"We have just won Serie A with Inter but I know United are better than us," he confessed.

"We were very close to beating them, so if we improve we will be close, very close to the teams from The Premier League. But it is very difficult to get players."

Carvalho, 31, served under Mourinho at Porto for two years, ending with the 2004 Champions League victory, before joining his boss in a move to London.

If the two end up being reunited again, Mourinho could face criticism from some quarters for publicly announcing a transfer move for a player under a lengthy contract at another club: this is regarded by some as a form of 'tapping-up'.

On the other hand, public transfer speculation is nothing new, least of all in the build-up to the summer market.

[Matterz 67]

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Inter are looking to sign Chelsea duo Deco and Ricardo Carvalho during the close-season.

Nerazzurri head coach Jose Mourinho knows Carvalho well as he managed the Portugal international defender at Porto and was responsible for taking him to Stamford Bridge for around €22.7 million (£19.85m) in 2004.

It is claimed that the centre-back has fallen down the Blues' pecking order after injury restricted the 31-year-old to just 18 first-team appearances this season.

Deco, meanwhile, made an explosive start to his career with the west London outfit but soon failed to live up to expectations and made just 22 starts throughout the 2008-09 campaign, in part due to injury.

Mourinho recently signed a new contract with the Serie A giants and it is reported that they have promised to back him with significant funds over the summer.

Apparently, the 'Special One' is hoping to buy the pair for a fee in the region of €13.7m (£12m).

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

Makes sense, we need to lower our average age, could raise some transfer money and more dinosaurs head to Italy. seems like a good deal all round

[SystemBlueBob 0]

I just about to say....if we can get some money for them....to help fund other transactions this summer....more power to us

[Term-X 7,891]

good

Alex has been fantastic since hiddink came into the frame and mancienne is the future

Carvalho has been quality for us but it's now time for change.

[thejolta 1]

I'm not opposed to Carvalho staying. The only thing I'm opposed to right now is Carvalho staying and the next manager choosing him in the starting lineup instead of Alex. Alex is way too big of an offensive and defensive weapon to be on the bench any longer. I don't think it'd be a bad idea to keep Riccy on in case of injury or suspension (with the latter being a definite certainty). I guess that's what Ivanovic is for and his Serbian buddy Slobodan Rajkovic and Michael Mancienne are for though. Hopefully Rajkovic returns from his loan at FC Twente and gets some playing time as he seems to have plenty of potential.

[warnie_666 1,081]

I'm not opposed to Carvalho staying. The only thing I'm opposed to right now is Carvalho staying and the next manager choosing him in the starting lineup instead of Alex. Alex is way too big of an offensive and defensive weapon to be on the bench any longer. I don't think it'd be a bad idea to keep Riccy on in case of injury or suspension (with the latter being a definite certainty). I guess that's what Ivanovic is for and his Serbian buddy Slobodan Rajkovic and Michael Mancienne are for though. Hopefully Rajkovic returns from his loan at FC Twente and gets some playing time as he seems to have plenty of potential.

So you want everyone? Riccy, Ivanovic, Rajkovic, Mancienne?

[thejolta 1]

So you want everyone? Riccy, Ivanovic, Rajkovic, Mancienne?

I just said I'm not opposed to him staying. To put it another way I'm indifferent to whether he stays or leaves. The only thing I'm strongly opposed to is him taking Alex's starting spot away next year, which under no circumstances should happen. But what is his valuation like 6 million pounds? Is it worth it to sell him? I for one thing Riccy's worth more than 6 million.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I love Carvalho to bits and believe he is one of the best defenders in the world, but he is too injury prone and to get such an amount of money for him and Deco - two players over 30 - would be excellent.

[the wes 7,212]

Chelsea centre-back Ricardo Carvalho has made it clear he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge this summer in search of first-team football.

The Portugal international, 31, is unhappy that he made only 18 appearances for the Blues last season.

"I have had four extraordinary years at Chelsea until this year, which has not been very good - indeed it was the worst of my career," he said.

"I am available for a club who wishes to have me."

Carvalho joined Chelsea from Porto in July 2004 for a fee of about £20m and has played 174 times for the club, helping them to win two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup.

But he was hampered by injuries last season, suffering knee ligament damage and a thigh problem that kept him out for almost two months.

Carvalho admitted "I wasn't in great shape" but insisted it was because he had not played many matches.

Looking to the future, he added: "I am delighted that several clubs are interested in me. But before being approached, an agreement must be found with Chelsea."

Carvalho last played for Chelsea in the 4-4 draw with Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on 14 April.

And he appeared to be out of favour under interim Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, prompting his declaration of intent to move on.

However, Carvalho appeared to leave the door open for reassessment under incoming manger Carlo Ancelotti, who officially takes over on 1 July.

"If there is no transfer, I will be fine at Chelsea," he said.

[Kez 2,727]

I'd like to see him stay but he's getting on abit now and is getting many injuries, Alex is ready to take over imo

[chrismada9 1,948]

He's one of my favourite Chelsea players as well really sad to see that he wants to go. But it's only the benefit of his own career, he got injured too many times and I feel he needs to go elsewhere.

[Term-X 7,891]

good news for mancienne

he will always be a part of our history, but it's the right time for change.

[Stamford 3]

I don't agree, I think Ricy is an essential part of our defence. Alex is great, but JT and Ricy are the best partnership in the Premier league. He might be cracking on age wise, but still a very skillful defender.

[Badboy 1,526]

Alex and terry are very similar alex is a great defender though.

[EskWeston 696]

Alex and terry are very similar alex is a great defender though.

My thoughts have been the same to be honest. But you can't argue with what JT and Alex have managed to do during the season together. But personally i think Ivanovic or Mancienne would compliment JT better.

I think it is very likely Carvalho will leave. We have unbelievable cover in his position and his age and injury problems have caught up with him. From a CFC point of view it is time to let him move on.