Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella was questioned by Sky Italia about the persistent rumours linking him with a move to Inter at the end of the season.

“I’m very calm. My mind is somewhere else,” the Italian youth international replied.

Exactly what is meant by ‘somewhere else’ remains to be seen, but it could simply be that the player is avoiding distractions while Cagliari is fighting to remain in Serie A. The 0-0 draw at home to Bologna at the weekend left the Rossoblu four points clear of the relegation zone – a strong, but not safe, position.

What is certain is that, despite his words, the rumours surrounding the 21-year-old will continue. Inter have long been linked to the player, and are reportedly putting together a cash plus player package to tempt Tommaso Giulini into selling his prized asset. Both Andrea Pinamonti and Federico Dimarco have recently been touted as players who could be used as make-weights in a potential deal.