Jose Mourinho's decision to register his two children at the schools they attended while he was coaching Inter Milan sparked frenzied media speculation on Sunday that he is planning to return.

Jose Junior and Matilde Junior have been pre-registered at the international school in Lugano, Switzerland, just an hour's drive from Inter's training complex at Appiano Gentile.

"Crisis at Inter: Mou to return?" was the headline in the Gazzetta dello Sport, which noted that Inter - treble winner under the Portuguese last season, including a first European Cup in 45 years - has flopped this term.

The Italian champions endured a difficult start to the season that led to the sacking of Rafael Benitez and his replacement, Leonardo, oversaw last week's Champions League exit to Schalke.

"This pre-registration in itself signifies little but there have been occasions when these signals have been a preface to transfers," wrote La Gazzetta.

"Currently, at a difficult moment, Inter fans are dreaming of Mou."

Mourinho won the league title in both his seasons at Inter and then added the Champions League and Coppa Italia last term for good measure.