Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti has claimed that Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has expressed an interest in joining the Italian club.
Modric's future at the Bernabeu has been called into question since the end of the World Cup, having reportedly informed Madrid president Florentino Perez of his desire to leave.
The Croatia international is only available for £670m, however, and Los Blancos boss Julen Lopetegui has already told Inter to back off.
Spalletti expects Modric to stay in the Spanish capital for the remainder of his two-year deal, but is not completely ruling out a switch over the next few weeks.
"About Modric, it is the sporting director who deals with that. I am not sure how this will finish," he told reporters following the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
"That he has shown interest to join us is obviously positive, we are trying to create the right conditions for him to join Inter Milan.
"If Real Madrid wants to hold onto him, we would have to accept that, and I think that will happen. It does not matter so much, we are still a strong team, even if he does not join."
Modric was given a warm reception when coming on as a substitute in Madrid's 3-1 win over AC Milan on Saturday evening.
Daniel Lewis
