Inter Milan have denied that they have contacted Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager, about taking over at the San Siro.

The Gazetta dello Sport claimed that Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, had been in contact with Mourinho in view to the Portuguese coach replacing Roberto Mancini next season.

"With respect to reports in a national newspaper today the president Massimo Moratti categorically denies having met with or contacted Jose Mourinho," a club statement read.

"This is a false and unverified story which we consider to be a serious affront to our organisation."

The newspaper claimed the pair met in secret in London to talk about an eventual succession to Mancini and also to try to scupper any hopes AC Milan may have of luring the former Porto boss.

Inter are currently flying both at home and in Europe, five points clear at the top of Serie A and having qualified for the second round of the Champions League with a game to spare.

Mancini guided Inter to a record 17-straight league wins last season while winning the title by more than 20 points.

Mourinho has been strongly linked to Inter's city rivals AC Milan, and yesterday's announcement that he does not want the England job has added to speculation that he is on verge of joining a major European club.