ROME - INTER Milan claimed on Tuesday that they have ended their interest in Portugal pair Ricardo Carvalho and Deco because Chelsea's asking price is too high.

Transfer consultant Lele Oriali told Italy's Sky TV that any deal was now closed.

'Having had the good fortune to talk directly with Chelsea we know that they are ready to sell these two players but their asking price is too high,' he said.

'It's not a deal as simple as it seems. Under these conditions it's not possible for us.

'For now the deal is closed and I don't know if it will be unblocked later on.' It is thought that the deal is stalling because Chelsea want Inter's Brazil right back Maicon, who the Italians don't want to sell.

Chelsea are supposedly playing hard-ball over the price for Carvalho and Deco in a bid to force Inter to sell them Maicon. -- AFP