Inter remain confident of securing a deal to sign Arturo Vidal in January despite Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde ruling out a departure yesterday, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Vidal is embroiled in a legal dispute with the Catalan club after his lawyers filed a complaint to Spain’s players union over an alleged unpaid bonus of €2 million.

Valverde told reporters on Friday he had no interest in the off-pitch saga and was ‘certain’ everything would be resolved soon.

But Vidal’s desire to leave the club, along with Barca’s supposed need to raise money from player sales, means a deal is still likely.

GdS said Inter were hopeful of signing the Chilean within the next two weeks, meaning he could be available to play Lecce on 19 January.

The Nerazzurri are also heavily linked with a move for Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen, although the Denmark international could become a target for the summer instead.