The winger had been lined up as Luis Figo's long term
replacement for a while now, and reports emanating from Portugal
earlier today claimed that an Inter delegation was travelled to
Oporto to tie up a deal for the classy winger.
Quaresma had restated his wish for a new challenge on many
occasions and Mourinho was eager to bring him to the Giuseppe
Meazza, having failed to capture his prime target, Roma's
Mancini.
The Italian club were reluctant to meet Porto's asking price of €40
million for Quaresma - the figure set in the release clause
attached to his contract.
However, the possibility of including a player in the deal
appealed to both parties. The initial offer was €25 million and
striker David Suazo; but the Portuguese side were keen on a greater
cash component.
After intense negotiations, Inter finally gave in, and a deal has
now been struck, with Porto getting €35 million, along with the
registration of central midfielder Pele.
Quaresma has already agreed terms with Inter, and the deal is
expected to be completed officially early next week, when the
player will travel to Milan for a medical.
It this report is confirmed, he will be the club's second signing
in a day after a deal to bring Frank Lampard was also agreed this
afternoon.