Inter boss cools talk for former midfielder

 

Inter head coach Roberto Mancini has dampened speculation linking the club with a move for former midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

 

The Serie A outfit have been linked with the AC Milan and Juventus legend over the past month, as well as Lazio’s Lucas Biglia, but Mancini insists their priority is to strengthen other areas of the squad in January.

 

“Pirlo is strong but we have never spoken with him,” the Inter boss told Corriere dello Sport. “Biglia? I don’t think so. We may need somebody in other positions.

 

“Changing faces in the team in January isn’t simple. You need elements who adapt straight away and make the difference. Our scouts are very good, they work well and know all the players who will be released. We’ll see what we can do.”

 

The Nerazzurri are also monitoring Bayer Leverkusen wideman Karim Bellarabi, although Mancini admits not being able to offer Champions League football will make any deal hard in the winter window.

 

Inter boss cools talk for former midfielder

 

“He is a good player, but he is playing in the Champions League with Bayer Leverkusen and will be difficult to sign in January.”

 

Only two players have completed more dribbles than Bellarabi in the Bundesliga this season (44).

 

For more stats on Karim Bellarabi, click here to visit his WhoScored player page