Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is being linked with a return to England after scathing criticism of their performance in defeat at Barcelona this week.

The Daily Mail says Inter president Massimo Moratti is said to have been so embarrassed by the manner of Barca's 2-0 win at the Nou Camp on Tuesday that he is ready to sack the self-styled 'Special One'.

Inter need to beat Russian side Rubin Kazan to secure a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League, and anything less could spell the end of the former Chelsea boss.

Moratti, unusually, did not speak to the media after the Nou Camp defeat and has remained silent since. Italian sources allege that the oil magnate has expressed his frustration to friends about the team's lacklustre performances in Europe.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho recently spoke of his desire to return to England and he is the bookies' favourite to be Liverpool's next manager, despite Rafa Benitez being assured of his position.