Chelsea may have to start next season without key defender Ricardo Carvalho after the Portuguese international suggested that he would be interested in hooking up with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

Carvalho worked with Mourinho at Porto where they won the Portuguese title and the Champions League before they both moved to Chelsea in 2004. The Portuguese centre back was a key figure in Chelsea's two succesive Premier League titles under Mourinho.

Speaking to reporters while on international duty at Euro 2008, Carvalho stated that he will meet with Chelsea officials to discuss his future after the European Championships. The 30 year-old defender signed a new contract with Chelsea last year but Carvalho earns considerably less than his defensive partner John Terry and Inter's interest could see him look for a wage increase or a move to Serie A.