Inter will be forced to sell players this summer because they failed to do so last year, according to a report in the Italian media today.

Tuttosport’s print edition said the Nerazzurri’s wage bill for the 2020-21 season was 20% higher than expected, due to the lack of action in last summer’s transfer market.

This has left the club short of liquidity and the only way to recover it is by selling players, a prospect which could lead to Antonio Conte’s departure as head coach.

What’s more, Inter are also having trouble collecting their revenue from various sponsorship deals signed in Asia.

Steven Zhang asked Inter’s players to give up two months’ wages earlier this month, a sign of how poor the situation is at the club.

Oaktree Capital have helped by providing a financing deal worth €275 million, and they could provide further assistance given that they are one of the creditors for Inter’s bonds that need repaying soon.

Sources close to Inter have pointed out that they have always paid their salaries on time, unlike other clubs, and that the Lega Serie A and FIGC are working to cut wages at all clubs.

Zhang is due to return to China on June 10, the Turin-based paper added, around the same time Oaktree representatives are due to visit London and sort more details concerning their collaboration with Inter.