"He did ask directors Marco Branca and Lele Oriali for him, yes," President Massimo Moratti told Calcio Italia.

The Serie A champions had previously stated that they dropped out from Quaresma's chase to focus on shoring up the defense.

"The lad would certainly be useful for our style of play, but Mourinho knows full well that we cannot sign Quaresma until we sell someone else," added Moratti.

The Portuguese tactician wants to reduce the size of his squad so he can focus on a group of 20 to 25 players like he did at Chelsea.

"Besides, we have never put too much pressure on Porto and there is a problem of price that has to be considered, too," concluded Moratti.

Porto asked for £25m to sell their flamboyant winger, a price seen "too high" by the Inter administration.