Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned Jose Mourinho to forget about signing Michael Essien as the Chelsea midfielder bids to return from a knee injury ahead of schedule.

Sulley Muntari, who joined Inter from Portsmouth in August, this week claimed that his Ghana team-mate would be an ideal addition to the Serie A club. But Scolari has no intention of letting his most versatile player leave just when the 25-year-old is making good progress in his recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament suffered on international duty.

"Inter, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid all want Essien but he is injured and he is at Chelsea," Scolari said. "If I stay for three years I don't want him out, I want him to stay with me.

"This is because he is very good player who can play in five positions very well. He is young and dedicated. He is our player and I think he is happy here."

Scolari revealed that Essien, who had been expected to be out for most of the season, is working overtime to be fit by the new year.

"Michael Essien is good news for me everyday. He is recovering quicker than we thought," Scolari said.

"He comes here at 10.30 in the morning and doesn't go until four in the afternoon. He tries to come back early. It is good for us. He is a fantastic example for other players. I don't want to put pressure on him but I think we will have good news sooner than we expected."

Ricardo Carvalho has given Scolari another fitness boost, with the news the Portugal defender hopes to be back from a knee injury in time for the hectic Christmas programme.

"The doctor says to me maybe 14 days more minimum. Maybe Ricardo will be fit for the games over Christmas on December 26th or 28th," Scolari added.