Moratti hints Inter will not be held to ransom over Lucas Moura

2 Aug 2012 16:20:00

The Tricolor Paulista are demanding close to €40 million for their in-demand attacking midfielder, but the Nerazzurri supremo seems unwilling to spend such a sum on a 19-year-old

Inter president Massimo Moratti has admitted that the club remain keen on signing Lucas Moura, while at the same time hinting that they are not prepared to be held to ransom by Sao Paulo.

The Nerazzurri first tried to sign the Brazil international during the January transfer window but had an offer of €18 million rejected by the attacking midfielder's current employers. Since then, though, Manchester United have entered the race to sign the teenage sensation and Sao Paulo's asking price has now swelled to close to €40m.

With Inter sporting director Marco Branca currently in Brazil, Moratti did not deny that the Serie A giants are still hoping to land Lucas, but he intimated that they will not break the bank for the 19-year-old.

"Holding an interest doesn't mean you're willing to accept certain terms," the Nerazzurri supremo told Sky Sport24. "Branca's not there to finalise anything. The situation is ongoing. We'll see."

Meanwhile, Inter announced on Wednesday evening that China Railway had agreed to co-fund the construction of a new stadium, but while Moratti is delighted with the deal, he explained that there is still much work to be done in terms of the club's planned relocation.

"It's now a tangible project with a highly-qualified partner - the biggest company in the world in this sector considering the experience they have - but we still have everything to do," he explained.

"Now we must find the right location, see what can be done and in a few years' time the fans will have their own home."

The Nerazzurri currently share the council-owned Giuseppe Meazza stadium with city rivals AC Milan.