Suning technical coordinator Walter Sabatini is in China to discuss the possibility of Inter bringing in reinforcements this month. His idea is clear: the club must invest now in order to reduce the risk of losing out on Champions League qualification. He is also open to the idea of selling one or two players just now, in order to reduce the risk of falling foul of Financial Fair Play regulations.

According to a report in today’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus, Napoli and Roma all have far superior squads compared to Inter. Indeed, even Lazio possess greater depth and quality in their ranks. Though he is keen to stress the good work done by his players so far, Luciano Spalletti has made it clear to his superiors that it is necessary to inject the squad with greater personality, physicality and technical ability.

Sabatini and his colleague Piero Ausilio are working on several fronts: Javier Pastore is the ideal man, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains a target. Gerard Deulofeu, whom Napoli are also interested in, remains an alternative. They will also make one last attempt to bring Ramires to Milan.

Meanwhile, centre-back Alessandro Bastoni could be set to link up with his new teammates earlier than expected, though Spalletti would prefer someone of greater experience.