Portugal stars trigger Europe-wide chase for their signatures

Carvalho, Moutinho & Veloso subject of intense speculation

While Portuguese fans are firmly in the grip of Euro 2008 fever, speculation surrounding the future of many of Scolari’s charges is making waves all round the continent.

The Portugal players themselves are doing little to dampen the media frenzy surrounding many of the squad. While the Ronaldo “will he/won’t he” soap opera rumbles on, another of Portugal’s world-class performers, Ricardo Carvalho, admitted he is also considering a move away from the Premiership.

When asked if he would like to team up again with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan the centre-back replied, “Most of the trophies I have won were with him. We were very happy working together. Now a new cycle is starting at Chelsea. Let’s wait and see.

“I’ve got a contract to fulfil, but sometimes new opportunities crop up, although I feel happy at Chelsea. After the Euro I’ll speak to Peter Kenyon (Chelsea executive director).

“Above all I have a contract with Chelsea and it depends on the club. What’s important now is to represent my country well. Afterwards we’ll see,” said the Portuguese international.

Sporting duo chased

Two of Portugal’s up-and-coming stars, Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso, are also attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.

Moutinho’s dynamic performance in Portugal’s first match against Turkey has led to well documented interest from Barcelona, while Inter Milan and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Sporting captain.

And according to the English press, Everton have now joined the race for 22-year-old Moutinho. David Moyes, the Everton manager, has flown out to Switzerland to watch Moutinho in the flesh.

Although unable to force himself into the Portugal team as of yet, Moutinho’s Sporting team-mate Miguel Veloso has confirmed that contact has been made with AC Milan regarding a transfer from the Portuguese capital to the Italian giants.

“I know AC Milan have been in contact with my agent, so I’ll wait until the end of Euro 2008 to find out more,” Veloso told Italian daily Corriere dello Sport.

When asked to describe his playing style, Veloso replied: “they say I’m a mixture of Pirlo and Vieira, but I prefer to think of myself as somewhere between Pirlo and Gattuso.”