Inter Milan are “not afraid” of losing Nicolo Barella or Marcelo Brozovic to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur, sporting director Piero Ausilio has told Sky Italia.
Less than two days into his new job, Conte has yet to unpack his bags or arrange the furniture in his new north London office.
But that hasn’t stopped the raging fires of speculation with the January transfer window less than two months away.
Earlier this week, FC Inter News reported Nicolo Barella, the £60 million enforcer compared to everyone from Paul Scholes to N’Golo Kante, was in line for a reunion with his former Nerazzurri boss in the English capital.
Sport Mediaset believes Brozovic, a deep-lying, Swiss army knife of a midfielder, is also on Tottenham’s radar after producing the finest football of his career under Conte at the San Siro.
Ausilio, however, isn’t losing any sleep just yet.
Inter are set to hold talks with Barella and Brozovic in the coming days, with both players expected to sign new long-term contracts at the reigning Serie A champions.
Are Inter stars Nicolo Barella and Marcelo Brozovic on their way to Tottenham?
“With Barella, I am confident (a new deal will be agreed),” said the bullish Ausilio.
“As far as Brozovic is concerned, I can say we will have a meeting shortly. We want him to be at the centre of our project but we must hear from (him) – and we will do so in the next few days.
“I am not afraid (of Tottenham snatching players) because I know our intentions. In January, we won’t consider any departures. Then in June, we will make other assessments but aimed at improving Inter, not weakening.”
Lautaro Martinez, Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij have also been linked with a Tottenham side who, according to The Sun, will have £150 million to spend on transfers in January.
“I’m happy (for Conte) and I wish him the best,” Ausilio added. “I know how much passion he has and how much he enjoyed coaching in the Premier League. He will do very well.”
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