Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho admits he could stay at Stamford Bridge rather than move to Inter Milan, who are also at the front of the queue to sign Deco. The Italian club's president Massimo Moratti said manager and former Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho has instructed him to sign the pair.

While Moratti is feeling confident after preliminary discussions with Chelsea, the transfers are far from done deals, especially with several other clubs having expressed an interest.

"Mourinho has asked us for Deco and Carvalho and we are working towards making him happy," said Moratti. "Our wish is to sign both players and I have seen that the players' intention is to join us.

"We still haven't reached an agreement with Chelsea but I think we will do in a short time."

Mourinho is familiar with centre-back Carvalho and midfielder Deco having coached both players at Porto.

Carvalho, who moved to Chelsea in 2004 to work again under Mourinho, endured a frustrating campaign with the Blues.

Injury restricted the 31-year-old to just 18 appearances this season.

But Moratti is convinced Carvalho will bring plenty of experience to the Inter defence.

"We are interested in Carvalho primarily for the Champions League," Moratti told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He has the right experience, he is calm under pressure and brings experience in the defensive line.

"Our coach has guaranteed quality and I have every intention to make him happy."

Carvalho admitted he is aware of Inter's interest, but did not rule out staying at Stamford Bridge.

"Inter have expressed their interest," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But the two clubs have to reach an agreement so there's a lot of work left to do and then they need to speak to me because I have a contract with Chelsea."

Carvalho also said he is yet to speak to Mourinho about a potential move.

"I have not spoken to Mourinho in a long time and I have neither spoken to our new (Chelsea) manager (Carlo Ancelotti)," he said. "Next week I will meet the club and discuss my future."

Earlier this summer, Carvalho admitted he was open to a move following his frustrations this year, but he stepped back a little by saying he can still be happy at Chelsea.

"This year it hasn't gone well at Chelsea because I was injured," he said. "But prior to that, I had enjoyed four fantastic seasons and you don't forget that.

"(Deco's) situation and mine are very different.

"I have been at Chelsea for five years while he has only been there one. I am not sure if he wants to change.

"With regards to me, my last year here was one to forget about but I could also remain.

"But if Chelsea wants to sell me that's fine by me."

Deco joined Chelsea from Barcelona last summer but the 31-year-old also suffered injuries, making just 22 league appearances this campaign.

"Deco will have two tasks: to do well immediately and to help [Brazilian teenager Philippe] Coutinho mature as a player," said Moratti.

"Coutinho will arrive next season [from Vasco de Gama] and plays in the same role as Deco."

Carvalho and Deco are among the oldest players in the Chelsea squad - Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Paulo Ferreira, Nicolas Anelka, Juliano Belletti and Mineiro are also over 30 - and new manager Carlo Ancelotti knows he has to introduce some younger faces.

With their recent injury records the Portuguese pair are likely to be the first departures but aside from Lampard, Ballack and Anelka the other 30-somethings could also find their days numbered at Stamford Bridge.