Inter’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Acuna was endorsed today by the player’s friend and first coach Gabriel Rouret.

Reports in Portugal this morning suggested the Nerazzurri had offered the Primeira Liga side an initial loan with an option to buy for the 28-year-old.

Acuna has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Sporting this season and boasts 27 caps with the Argentine national team.

Rouret, who coached Acuna for 10 years as a youngster, told FcInterNews.it: “You could tell he was on a different level right from a young age.

“He’s become a professional footballer thanks to his hard work, his love for football and the humility which has always made him stand out.

“I’d love him to move to Serie A because we’re talking about one of the most important leagues in the world. It would be an important moment in his career, let’s hope it happens.”

Acuna spent four years at Racing Club before moving to Europe and played alongside Inter striker Lautaro Martinez in his final season.

Rouret recalled: “Marcos crossed and Lautaro scored. The number of assists he gave him… They understood each other perfectly, on the pitch and off it.

“If anyone has asked Lautaro for his thoughts on Marcos he will certainly have given a positive review. He’d certainly recommend him to Inter, although that’s only my opinion, he hasn’t told me anything.”