According to news agency Reuters, Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus is considering a takeover bid for Inter after dropping out of the Manchester United race, but Suning are eager to keep hold of the club.
The Nerazzurri are known to be dealing with serious financial problems, as a high-interest €275m loan from Oaktree Capital Management will be due for repayment next year.
It is reported today that Goldman Sachs and Raine, who negotiated the sale of Premier League giants Chelsea last year, have been in talks with parties who are interested in investing in the Serie A side.
At least two sources confirmed to Reuters that former Nokia executive Zilliacus is one of those potentially interested in making the offer.
He had also been linked with Manchester United a few months ago before dropping out of the race.
His company XXI Century Capital announced last month it was in negotiations with several large institutional investors to raise money for investment opportunities in European football clubs.
Inter saw their profile boosted on the international stage by reaching the Champions League Final for the first time since winning it in 2010.
However, Suning remain adamant “there is no bidding process” and they are only looking for investors rather than someone to sell the club to completely.
Zilliacus was in the stands for the Champions League semi-final victory over Milan and at the time someone asked if he was buying Inter.
His response pointed to the issues with Manchester United and the Glazer family. “At least here there is one dedicated seller, not six siblings who can’t agree!”
A potential owner who is mouthy and vents resentment on twitter. Brilliant. Exactly the type of person who would be interested in inter.