Steven Zhang could seek a meeting with Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala to discuss Inter and AC Milan’s new stadium project, according to a report in the Italian media today.

Corriere dello Sport’s print edition said Inter’s president could use face-to-face talks to break the deadlock which is preventing the clubs from making any progress.

Sala again asked Inter this week to provide clarity on their ownership situation before plans to build a new San Siro could proceed – although this report suggested that request could be for political reasons more than anything else.

Zhang knows progress regarding the new stadium would help Suning in their search for a new financial partner at Inter.

Inter’s president finally returned to Milan yesterday after a six-month absence and the stadium project is not the only issue on his agenda.

Zhang’s arrival should lead to developments regarding Inter’s search for a new main shirt sponsor to replace Pirelli, with the Nerazzurri hoping to secure a ‘high-calibre’ brand.

Suning had almost agreed a deal with a Chinese company a few months ago which would have guaranteed Inter €30 million annually, but the Rome-based paper said talks had broken down due to Suning’s financial issues.

Inter have switched their attention to the American market for Pirelli’s replacement, but Zhang might have to settle for a lower fee than the one he was originally targeting.