ROME (AFP) - Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti denied on Wednesday persistent rumours that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is due to take over the club's coaching reins from Roberto Mancini next season.

Speculation linking Mourinho to Inter has gathered pace since Mancini announced last month that he would step down at the end of the season, only to change his mind a day later.

Recently a Mourinho representative claimed he had been in Italy to meet with Moratti but Mourinho himself denied that meeting ever took place.

"For me the situation will not change because we want to go forward without making any great waves that you never know whether or not will be positive," said Moratti.

"These are other people's ideas but they're not true. But it's fascinating because everyone is waiting for some news.

"For many years now you (the press) start talking about this two months before the end of the season.

"I can't do anything about that and even less so Mancini.

"I read many things in the newspapers that I find tiresome but I'm used to it and I try to rise above it."

Inter have struggled recently at home and abroad after a blockbuster opening to their season.

They have won only two of their last nine matches, losing four of those. In the league they have seen their lead at the top over AS Roma cut from 11 points to four while Liverpool knocked them out of the Champions League.

Mourinho has been out of work since leaving Chelsea soon after the start of the season and he is known to fancy coaching in Italy.