Inter are still considering a move for Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic on a free transfer, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition said Maksimovic was certain to leave the Partenopei when his contract expired in the summer, having rejected a new three-year deal.
Napoli were prepared to offer him the same terms on his current contract, which sees the centre-back earn €1.2 million annually, but Maksimovic wanted an extra €500,000.
The Serbian’s request led to talks falling through and now Inter are evaluating whether to make a move for the 29-year-old.
Maksimovic has made 27 appearances for Napoli in all competitions this season, although he has been an unused substitute for their last six games.
He did not feature in either of their matches against Inter, which saw Gennaro Gattuso’s side defeated 1-0 at San Siro and held to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Maksimovic’s former head coach at Torino Giampiero Ventura believes he would be perfect for Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system.
Inter could well be looking for new defenders in the summer with reports suggesting Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij are at risk of being sold.
Fiorentina’s defender and Maksimovic’s Serbia teammate Nikola Milenkovic is also being linked with the Nerazzurri.