Jose Mourinho responds to claims he will make sensational return to former club

Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions he is set to make a sensational return to Inter Milan.

Just days after their humiliating Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Inter were on the search for a new head coach with Simone Inzaghi stepping down.

The Italian walked away from San Siro after four years at the helm, heading to Saudi Arabia to take the reins at Al-Hilal.

Inter were eager to appoint Cesc Fabregas his successor only for the former Arsenal and Chelsea star to pledge his immediate future to Como during the week.

Christian Chivu is now expected to be confirmed as the new Nerazzurri boss – but reports claimed Inter first targeted his former manager.

Mourinho led Inter to a historic treble in 2010 with Chivu part of the side that conquered Italy and Europe.

‘The Special One’ has just finished his first season in Turkey with Fenerbahce, finishing nine points behind champions Galatasaray.

Italian newspaper Repubblica claimed this week Mourinho was Inter’s first choice option before Chivu was approached.

But the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has rubbished those claims.

In a message sent to Italian journalist Ivan Zazzaroni through FCInter, Mourinho wrote: ‘It’s a big lie. There was never even any contact.

‘They say this for pissed off people. And so they say it was difficult to leave Fenerbahce and blah blah blah.’

Inter are expected to confirm the appointment of former Romania international Chivu in the coming days after a brief spell in charge at Parma.

One of the first items in his in-tray will be Rasmus Hojlund with Inter in talks to sign the Manchester United striker.

After a miserable second season at Old Trafford, United are ready to listen to reasonable offers for the striker who cost them £72million just two years ago.

Hojlund is thought to have given the move the green light with it now down to United and Inter to agree a deal.

United are hoping for a permanent sale but Inter’s current offer is season-long loan with an option to buy for €45million.