Inter are ready to pay up to €25 million to secure the summer signing of Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez after having met with the Argentine in Milan on Thursday evening, a source close to the Nerazzurri has told Goal.com.
The 27-year-old was spotted in the fashion capital yesterday and was reported to have met with members of the European champions’ board. Today it has been confirmed to Goal.com that the striker is a very real target.
“Yes, Tevez was seen in Milan and there are some strong confirmations he met with Inter directors while he was here on Thursday evening,” said a source. “The feeling is that it was an informal meeting – a request for information to see if he will be available to sign in the summer.
“I think Inter will be prepared to open dialogue for anything up to €25m, It’s not just a rumour, it’s more than that.”
Asked if there were other Italian clubs showing an interest, he added: “If he leaves City and comes to Serie A, Inter are the first in line. They are the favourites to get him in Italy.”
Carlos Tevez | Was in Milan on Thursday evening
The Nerazzurri have taken a big hit this week, with heavy defeats against Milan in Serie A and Schalke in the Champions League leaving them staring at the loss of two of the five trophies they won in 2010. The results have put the future of coach Leonardo under severe doubt, which could also condition the Beneamata’s move for Tevez.
“[The transfer] depends on the coaching situation at Inter,” the source added. “Leonardo will not be confirmed as coach: this appears almost certain. Moratti wants to give him a director’s role at the club like he had at Milan.
“Inter are already looking for a very top coach to come in. So Tevez to Inter depends on who the new man will be and what players he wants. It is a possible transfer market move, but it depends on who the new coach will be.”
The winners of the last five Serie A titles already have Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini to choose from in the centre forward role alongside Samuel Eto’o, but that will seemingly not stop them chasing Tevez.
“Their presence won’t come into it. Inter are keen on getting a strong striker for next season, and they have liked Tevez for years.”
The former West Ham United and Manchester United man handed in a transfer request at Eastlands earlier this season, but withdrew it weeks later claiming to have cleared up his problems at the club. He has hit 19 goals in 27 Premier League games this season and was named today as one of seven players shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award.
