Inter Milan 'line up Lionel Messi move next summer'

Serie A outfit Inter Milan are reportedly planning an audacious move for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi next summer.

Messi has spent his entire career with Barcelona and has previously suggested that he will never play for another European team, while Barcelona would be expected to immediately dismiss any approaches for their star player.

However, Inter are reportedly hoping that Cristiano Ronaldo's move from Real Madrid to Juventus could increase Messi's desire to play in Italy in order to reignite the rivalry between the world's two best players.

Marco Tronchetti Provera - the CEO of Pirelli, who have been long-time sponsors of Inter Milan - suggested that the club's owners Suning are hoping to make a blockbuster signing in the future, and admitted that Messi would be the ultimate target.

"I hope that Suning, once Financial Fair Play will allow it, can make a huge signing. Messi? How can you say no to Messi?" Provera told Tuttosport.

Messi has made 637 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 552 goals.