The Portugal international played under his compatriot at Porto before moving to Stamford Bridge in a £19million move in 2004.

And Mourinho now confesses that he would like to join forces with Carvalho, who has the Champions League experience Inter crave, for a third time.

The 31-year-old was linked with a move to Italy last summer but a transfer failed to materialise as Mourinho settled in at the Serie A champions.

However, Mourinho has now hinted that he could look to take advantage of Carvalho's injury-hit season and the managerial uncertainty in West London.

"Carvalho is one of the best central defenders in the world," he said in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"A year ago it was impossible to think of him. Now I think it is."

Brazilian wing-back Maicon, meanwhile, will not leave Inter this summer despite reported interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid to acquire his services.

The 27-year-old is under contract with the Italian champions until June 2013 and has no intention of leaving the Nerazzurri this summer.

"I will remain at Inter," the Brazil international said. "I like the Italian league.

"I am happy here and delighted that this team has allowed me to prove my quality in Italy and in Europe.

"It is thanks to Inter that I have returned to the national team."

Maicon has made 28 league appearances for Inter this season and started in all of the Nerazzurri's Champions League games.