Inter have been warned they will need to cough up money in order to secure a deal for Atalanta forward Papu Gomez in January.
The 32-year-old is expected to be sold this month after falling out with the Bergamaschi’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during a UEFA Champions League tie in November.
Inter are widely thought to be favorites to sign Gomez, who has reportedly expressed a desire to stay in Italy for his next move.
But former Udinese sporting director Cristiano Giaretta, now at Championship club Watford, told Radio Sportiva: “I don’t think Atalanta will be making any discounts, they won’t sell him on the cheap.
“The January window is going to be much like last summer, with clubs short on money and looking for swap deals.
“I expect clubs will err on the side of keeping their players when in doubt due to the congested fixture schedule.”
Giaretta was also asked for his opinion on the future of Christian Eriksen, who is all but certain to leave Inter this month.
He said: “You’d have to be involved in this situation personally to know whether there’s a chance of the parties sorting out their differences.
“If not then the situation will become unmanageable and it would be better to move him on; the world is full of players.”
Eriksen has made just five starts under Antonio Conte in all competitions this season after signing from Tottenham last January.
Inter will then attempt to sign a new midfielder who is more suited to Conte’s ideas, should a player be available at the right price.