Inter might baulk at the price-tag for Sao Paolo star Lucas, so they are turning their attention to Porto hero James Rodriguez.
The Nerazzurri have confirmed they will move on the January transfer market to create a team that fits in with Claudio Ranieri’s vision.
Inter might baulk at the price-tag for Sao Paolo star Lucas, so they are turning their attention to Porto hero James Rodriguez.
The Nerazzurri have confirmed they will move on the January transfer market to create a team that fits in with Claudio Ranieri’s vision.
The first choice would be Sao Paolo’s trequartista Lucas, whose contract includes a massive €80m buy-out clause and a price-tag of around €35m.
“Lucas will not leave and I won’t start any negotiations for him. He still has much to give the team,” Sao Paolo President Juvenal Juvenicio was quoted as saying.
This means Inter are turning their focus closer to home, albeit still with a South American tinge.
The next target is Colombian Rodriguez, who has impressed with Europa League winners Porto and recently extended his contract to 2016.
He is thought to be valued at around €20m and his tactical versatility, being able to play on the left and in the trequartista role, has impressed Ranieri.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri could attempt to fund one of these transfers by accepting one of the Premier League offers for Wesley Sneijder.
The Dutch maestro is wanted by Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.