Inter Freeze Samir Handanovic Contract Talks & Begin Replacement Search, Italian Media Report

Inter have put a new deal for Samir Handanovic on hold following the Slovenian’s disappointing recent performances, according to an Italian media report today.

Handanovic has been widely criticised after a mistake which led to Cristiano Ronaldo scoring in Juventus’ 2-1 victory at San Siro during Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.

As per CalcioMercato.com, there is no doubt Inter will soon need to sign a replacement for the 36-year-old and it seems the Nerazzurri are already searching for his successor.

Handanovic’s contract expires at the end of next season and while there had been talks taking place over an extension until 2023, those talks are said to have frozen.

Inter have reportedly identified five goalkeepers who could become their new number one, all of whom play in Serie A.

Udinese’s Juan Musso is said to be the Nerazzurri management’s preferred choice, ahead of Cagliari’s Alessio Cragno and Atalanta’s Pierluigi Gollini – although Gollini is thought to be very difficult to sign.

The report goes on to add that in addition to Musso, Cragno and Gollini, Napoli’s Alex Meret and Hellas Verona’s Marco Silvestri are both also on Inter’s radar.

A report in Tuttosport yesterday argued Handanovic had been at fault for no fewer than 10 goals Antonio Conte’s side have conceded this season.