Inter Milan chief confirms transfer plan for Man Utd's Alexis Sanchez

by

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has set out the club's transfer plan for on-loan Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez.

The Chile star has spent the season at the San Siro attempting to revive his career after a dismal start to life with United.

However, he has struggled for form and fitness since joining the Italian giants, scoring one goal in 15 appearances and missing much of the season with a serious ankle injury.

In Sanchez's absence, Inter have enjoyed a strong campaign under manager Antonio Conte and find themselves third in Serie A, fuelling speculation that the 31-year-old will return to Old Trafford.

https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article21469250.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Internazionale-Milano-vs-AC-Milan-Italy-09-Feb-2020.jpg
Sanchez has scored once and assisted three times in 15 Inter appearances (Image: ROBERTO BREGANI/EPA-EFE/REX)

And while Ausilio confirmed Sanchez will remain with Inter until the end of the season, he admitted no decision has been made over an extension to the loan deal.

He told Sky Sport Italia: “He'll stay with us until the end of the season, then we'll decide about his future with Manchester United. He'll have the opportunity to show his skills.”

On top of Sanchez, Inter find themselves at the centre of much transfer speculation heading into the summer window.

https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article21793451.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Alexis-Sanchez-file-photo.jpg
Sanchez's career has stalled since he joined United from Arsenal in January 2018 (Image: PA)

22-year-old striker Lautaro Martinez is heavily linked with a move to Barcelona but Ausilio insisted a deal will only be struck if the Argentine's £99.7million release clause is met.

He added: “If Barcelona want him they know that they must pay his release clause. We didn't speak with Lautaro about Barcelona because we want to keep him.”

Should Martinez leave for the Spanish giants, the Nerazzurri will need to recruit a new forward and Ausilio also discussed the suitability of two Paris Saint-Germain stars.

“We’re in talks with PSG for Mauro Icardi," he said. "We’ve good relationship with Paris Saint-Germain and Mauro wants to stay at PSG.

"[Edinson] Cavani as a free agent is an opportunity but we’re not working to get him now."

Ausilio also confirmed Inter will not pursue a move for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, who is heavily linked with Liverpool.

Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.