Inter are likely to increase their offer for Nicolò Barella as they look to close a deal with Cagliari, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Nerazzurri are the only club left in the running after Roma officially withdrew their interest yesterday.

Cagliari will still try and hold out for €50 million but it seems they will have to settle for something less.

“The Rossoblu are still hopeful something will happen to change the scenario, but all the signs are pointing in the opposite direction,” the paper said this morning.

“Barella has promised himself to Inter and he kept his word even when Tommaso Giulini tried to make him face up to his responsibilities.”

Cagliari will celebrate their 100-year anniversary next year and it is not implausible they could decide to keep Barella another season.

However, it would appear to have little sense given the 22-year-old would be unhappy if he stayed, having been denied the chance to make a step up in his career and play in the Champions League.

“Logic suggests there will be at least a mini-raise from Inter, either in terms of their up-front offer (€36 million) or their add-ons (€4 million),” Corriere added.

Inter could offer Federico Dimarco in a part-exchange deal if they did not want to raise the cash offer.