Police have revealed that they have averted a plot to either rob or kidnap Inter coach Jose Mourinho, according to Metro.co.uk.

The gang of thieves apparently targeted wealthy Italian celebrities and are believed to be involved in robberies worth nearly €400,000 [£350,000].

Police chief Maj Vito Di Gioia is quoted as saying: “This was a gang who specialised in targeting wealthy celebrities and they would carry out surveillance before striking.

“They would follow expensive cars and then identify the owners through the number plates, get the addresses and stake out their properties to work out their routines and plan when to strike.

“We found several items of information relating to Mourinho and an officer has been detailed to discuss this and security with him.”