Inter plot Emerson raid on Roma with Man Utd target Joao Mario used as bait

Inter are prepared to step up their interest in Roma full-back Emerson during the winter transfer window, Goal understands.

Luciano Spalletti has made no secret of his admiration for a 23-year-old talent he has previously worked with at Stadio Olimpico.

When quizzed on links to the Brazil-born Italy international, the Inter boss said: “Who would not want Emerson? But he will cost a lot of pennies.”

That issue could be overcome by a loan agreement, with Roma currently favouring Aleksandar Kolarov in their left-back berth.

Emerson has overcome a serious knee injury suffered in May, but he has been unable to find regular minutes with his path to a starting role blocked.

Roma, therefore, may be willing to sanction to short-term agreement before reassessing the situation in the summer, when a permanent sale could be sanctioned.

Taking that into account, Inter are ready to take Emerson on loan with the view to pushing through a €28 million deal at a later date.

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Roma director of football Monchi is, however, understood to be reluctant to strengthen a direct rival without getting anything in return.

Inter, then, may try to sweeten their offer with Joao Mario - a player who has been linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

A loan trade would allow the Nerazzurri to get the player they want, while presenting an underperforming forward on their books the chance to rediscover his form elsewhere.

Portugal international Mario has struggled to make his mark at San Siro and would offer a useful, very versatile alternative to those already in Roma’s ranks.

He could also be added to Eusebio Di Francesco’s squad for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

With there plenty of options to be proposed and considered, it may be that Emerson and Joao Mario find themselves on the move during the January transfer window.