Inter are hoping to protect 22-year-old Argentinian striker Lautaro Martinez, as it no longer looks impossible for Barcelona to pay his €111 million release clause, according to a report from Italian media outlet PassioneInter.

The report details how the Nerazzurri are working on renewing his current contract, set to expire in 2023, in order to raise his wages and potentially remove the release clause in order to make it harder for interested parties to approach for the player.

However, the club’s management haven’t yet approach Lautaro’s agent Alberto Yaque, the report continues. This is because, despite the interest of the Blaugrana, the club don’t want to rush anything and would prefer to offer a new contract over the winter break.

Furthermore, the focus of the negotiations will be on the removal of the release clause, similar to what happened to Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, the report adds. The only issue is that Lautaro has never hidden how exciting it would be for him to play with compatriot and idol Lionel Messi at Barcelona.