Inter Milan are at the front of the queue to sign Chelsea duo Deco and Ricardo Carvalho but a number of Europe’s leading clubs are monitoring the situation.

The Italian club’s president Massimo Moratti said manager and former Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho has instructed him to sign the pair.

And while Moratti is feeling confident after preliminary discussions with Chelsea the transfers are far from done deals, especially with several other clubs having expressed an interest.

“Mourinho has asked us for Deco and Carvalho and we are working towards making him happy,” said Moratti.

“Our wish is to sign both players and I have seen that the players’ intention is to join us.

“We still haven’t reached an agreement with Chelsea but I think we will do in a short time.”

Mourinho is familiar with centre-back Carvalho and midfielder Deco having coached both players at Porto.

Carvalho, who moved to Chelsea in 2004 to work again under Mourinho, endured a frustrating campaign with the Blues.

Carvalho admitted he is aware of Inter’s interest, but did not rule out staying at Stamford Bridge.