Atletico Mineiro deny a deal to sign him is close, but still claim that Massimo Moratti has promised to let Diego Forlan leave Inter this summer.
Atletico Mineiro deny a deal to sign him is close, but still claim that Massimo Moratti has promised to let Diego Forlan leave Inter this summer.
After enduring a difficult single season in Italy with the Nerazzurri, Forlan has been heavily linked with a move back to South America, with Brazilian sides Mineiro and Sao Paulo understood to be in prime contention to sign him.
Following a claim from the player’s agent earlier this week that Mineiro are in prime contention for the former Atletico Madrid forward, the club have confirmed that they are holding negotiations.
Their club President also revealed that Inter cohort Moratti has made a commitment about the player.
“I went to Montevideo to speak to Forlan and his agent. We talked and now expect to solve a case that is quite complicated,” Alexandre Kalil is quoted as saying on Brazilian radio this Friday.
“Inter must release the player, moreover there is a promise from President Moratti to hand him over.”
Some reports suggested that the club would pay as much as €7m for the forward.
“These are lies from the Italian Press. It’s a complex sale, there are other clubs in contention. We are in the running and continue to fight for him, but for now I am not 100 per cent sure that we will succeed.”