A defensive midfielder is reportedly Inter’s priority in January, with John Obi Mikel, Lassana Diarra and Morgan Schneiderlin considered.
Stefano Pioli replaced Frank de Boer on the Nerazzurri bench last month, as the Beneamata look to salvage Champions League qualification.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the new Coach has made a single request for January: a defensive midfielder.
A defensive midfielder is reportedly Inter’s priority in January, with John Obi Mikel, Lassana Diarra and Morgan Schneiderlin considered.
Stefano Pioli replaced Frank de Boer on the Nerazzurri bench last month, as the Beneamata look to salvage Champions League qualification.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the new Coach has made a single request for January: a defensive midfielder.
Felipe Melo came on in the second half against Genoa to move to a 3-5-2, but it’s thought the long-term plan is to return Gary Medel to the defence as part of a back-three.
For that system, Pioli wants a more technically accomplished midfielder than Melo.
Gazzetta reports that John Obi Mikel has been offered on a free loan with an option – not an obligation – to buy at the end of the season.
That would be an attractive, low-cost option but Inter are nevertheless evaluating other options.
Marseille’s Lassana Diarra would fit the profile, and the cost of such a transfer could be lowered by sending Geoffrey Kondogbia the other way.
Another potential swap deal would involve sending Stevan Jovetic to Fiorentina in exchange for Milan Badelj.
In addition, sporting director Piero Auslio is monitoring Morgan Schneiderlin’s situation at Manchester United, with the Frenchman afforded little space by Jose Mourinho.