Manchester United and Chelsea have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Marcelo Brozovic as Inter Milan are confident of reaching an agreement with the midfielder over a new contract.
Brozovic, who is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, has also been touted as a target for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Croatia international has started every game for Inter this season, but recent reports suggested the Serie A side were unwilling to meet his yearly €6m (£5.1m) salary request.
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that talks are planned with the player and his agent next week, though, and the Nerazzurri are seemingly prepared to offer a bumper contract.
"There is a sense of responsibility and attachment on the part of the players," Marotta is quoted as saying by Calciomercato.
"Everyone deserves financial gratitude for what they have shown. Next week we will see each other to discuss Brozovic.
"Inter do not want to wait a long time and the month of December will be the line beyond which not to go."
Meanwhile, it has been widely reported in Italy that Inter are close to announcing a new contract for Lautaro Martinez, ending speculation over the Arsenal and Tottenham-linked forward's future.
Daniel Lewis
