Inter are reportedly preparing a swoop for Valencia hitman David Villa and could use Zlatan Ibrahimovic as collateral.
Spanish international Villa is ready to leave the Mestalla after a disappointing season for the club and Valencia have set a price-tag of £31m.
That in itself has not been enough to scare off Massimo Moratti’s interest, but there is another major stumbling block.
According to newspaper Marca, Villa has his heart set on joining Real Madrid and has already been promised a place in the side by President Ramon Calderon.
He has reportedly turned down an offer from Tottenham Hotspur for the same reason.
However, Inter are making an official bid in case Real baulk at the £31m request.
In that case, the Nerazzurri would resolve both issues by selling Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Real Madrid and taking Villa as a replacement.
The Swede’s future is in doubt after undergoing extensive treatment for a knee injury and he has publicly hinted he would not mind a move to the Bernabeu.
Inter assistant manager Sinisa Mihajlovic also revealed this week that the relationship was coming to an end.
“Ibra is one of the best around, but I can imagine an Inter side without Ibra,” mused Mihajlovic.
“If he is not there, then someone else will be. It would be a shame, as we have a good rapport, but sometimes the moment comes when you take separate paths.”
