Inter set for crucial Cesc Fabregas meeting as Como boss becomes top candidate to succeed Simone Inzaghi after rejecting Bayer Leverkusen and Roma

Inter are hell-bent in bringing Fabregas to the club and are planning to have an intense meeting with the ex-Chelsea midfielder, as per a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport. Inter have also shortlisted former player Cristian Chivu and ex-Crystal Palace manager Patrick Viera for the position as they scramble to replace Inzaghi after confirming his exit in the wake of their Champions League final humiliation.

Reports coming out of Italy suggest that Fabregas appointment has become the top priority for the Nerazzurri. The former midfielder also holds the same appreciation for the club and had a chat with president Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio. However, the situation is complicated by the fact he is both coach of Como and owns a stake in the club, while he has already rebuffed the advances of Bayer Leverkusen and Roma. He has reportedly agreed to join RB Leipzig, too, but his future remains unclear.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi was also rumored to be a candidate for the position but the Italian downplayed the rumours when asked about contact being made by the Serie A club.

De Zerbi said: "No one called me, especially in the last few days. I'm fine at OM, and so, there's nothing cooking. What if I get a call soon? I don’t know, I can say what has happened up to now and, absolutely, I haven’t heard from anyone."

Inter's involvement in the Club World Cup may make things more complicated when it comes to recruiting a new coach and a few players before the competition kicks off. Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are reportedly prime targets for the Italian club, who face Monterrey on 18 June in their first game of the competition.