As the entirely fabricated proverb goes, hell hath no fury like a 'Special One' scorned - and Chelsea fans are about to find out the true meaning of those words as Jose Mourinho threatens to come back and haunt his former club.

The Chelsea faithful's love affair with the Portuguese coach is no secret - even after his departure last year chanting of his name was de rigeur at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the season - but, if today's papers are to be believed, that relationship is on the verge of coming to a sour end.

Chelsea fans may find it hard to remember the good old days should Mourinho dip into their squad and take three of the Blues' best players off their hands this summer. But, if today's Sun is to be believed, that is exactly what he is about to do.

With Roberto Mancini as good as gone from the Italian champions, Mourinho is thought to be close to taking over the reigns at the Guiseppe Meazza. And, while TT is not suggesting the ex-Chelsea boss is doing it out of spite, he has nevertheless lined up three of his former charges to join him in Serie A.

Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho and Frank Lampard are top of the wish list Mourinho has already given to Inter president Massimo Moratti - at a total cost of £35 million.

Wantaway striker Drogba is valued at £21.5 million, Carvalho - who Mourinho calls 'his son' - at £7 million and Lampard a snip at £6.5 million, although quite what the England midfielder's Catalan wife would think of a move to Italy is anyone's guess.

Elsewhere, Juventus have held talks with Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is believed to be near to completing a move to the Serie A giants. The only sticking point is the £16 million price tag the Reds have slapped on his head - Juve won't go higher than £12 million.

Should the deal collapse, the Old Lady will turn their attentions to Roma's promising young midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who Arsenal have also been sniffing around.

Nonetheless, Liverpool's apparent willingness to offload Alonso suggests boss Rafa Benitez is confident of snaring Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, despite Villa boss Martin O'Neill's determination to hang on to the England star. Barry says he will sit down with the Midlands club for a second round of talks after he returns from England duty in the West Indies.

Former Manchester City loan flop Albert Riera has also been targeted by Liverpool, although a reported £9.5 million bid for the Spain international's services has been rejected by Espanyol.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are close to signing youngster Diego Capel for £12 million from Sevilla, but Juande Ramos will not be getting his hands on Marcelo Moreno, who has opted to sign for Shakhtar, despite Spurs' interest.

Up in Lancashire, Holland international Andre Ooijer says he is fed up of performing a bench role at Blackburn and will leave Ewood Park after this summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland. The clammer for his signature is barely audible.

And finally, Manchester City have not given up hope of capturing Brazil forward Ronaldinho. Considering City can offer the same as fellow suitors Milan in terms of European football next term, Thaksin Shinawatra's plan does not appear to be all that ridiculous.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport