Quaresma has been linked with a move away from the Portuguese champions for several months now, with Real Madrid and Internazionale the clubs most regularly linked with the audacious winger. Chelsea and Liverpool have also been named as potential suitors in far less substantial reports.

In recent weeks, Inter have emerged as the favourites for the player's signature, with Jose Mourinho now coach at the club, he may wish to draft in his compatriot to add some creative flair to the Nerazzurri.

His decision to leave Porto was as good as made for him when they were suspended from next season's Champions League for allegations of corruption and bribery in 2003/04.

"I have signed for a big club but I cannot say more than that," he has been quoted as saying.

Whether the news will break prematurely as it did with Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and his signing on as Chelsea manager yesterday remains to be seen.