Inter Milan Transfer Rumors: Maicon, Sneijder and Eto'o

Internazionale have spent much of this week in Beijing, China preparing to defend their Italian Supercoppa tomorrow against city rivals AC Milan. But all the talk surrounding the club has been focused on potential transfers including some very big names.

The Sneijder Saga Continues…

Obviously any conversation about this summer’s calcio mercato at Inter must begin with Wesley Sneijder. Earlier this week, reports suggested a bid was made and excepted but those stories now appear to have been premature. While everyone involved is denying talk of any ongoing negotiations, speculation still refuses to die down.

Inter officials insist no bid has been made, but at the same time are making it clear that they can be persuaded to sell the Dutch international for the right price. On the other side of the coin, Sir Alex Ferguson is downplaying speculation whenever he can. But that hasn’t stopped coaches and players praising Sneijder and encouraging the deal every chance they get.

So what it my take on this? It seems United want Sneijder, and to some degree Sneijder wants United, and Inter are willing to deal. But perhaps United are not willing to splash 30-plus million pounds just yet. They have already spent quite a sum of cash on David De Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones. It could be the Glazers have told Sir Alex he needs to sell before he can buy such an expensive player.

What Comes After Sneijder?

It is safe to assume that should Sneijder be sold, a few other chips could fall into place. The natural place to look for where Inter will spend any funds raised but such a large sale is back to the city of Manchester, only the blue side this time.

We all know Carlos Tevez wants out of Manchester, and he said over and over he wants a move closer to his children who live in Argentina. The last time I checked Milan was not in South America, but that hasn’t stopped the speculation that Tevez will move to the Nerazzuri should he get the chance. Perhaps the sale of Sneijder will offer such an opportunity.

Will Eto’o Leave Inter?

At the same time, a potential Sneijder departure may not be the only way Carlos Tevez can arrive at Inter. Reports say that striker Samuel Eto’o has fallen out with new coach Gian Piero Gasperini and has asked for a move away from Inter, specifically to England.

Rumors also suggested earlier this week that Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants to acquire Eto’o, perhaps in exchange for Tevez. But honestly that seems a poor deal for City. Eto’o at 30 years old is certainly not of equal value to the 27 year old Tevez. But sometimes clubs need to move unhappy players quickly and that can often mean player values go out the window.

Clubs Interested in Maicon

But Eto’o is not the only Inter star Mancini is after. Reports are also indicating that City may be in for Inter’s Brazilian right-back Maicon, and that Tevez could be used in an exchange for that deal instead. But Mancini has denied that possibility, for whatever that’s worth.

Also, Manchester City is not the only club who could be in for Maicon. Real Madrid has long been linked with the defender. But Maicon is 30 years old and it remains to be seen if the Spanish giants are willing to spend a bucket-load of money on a player of that age.