Inter-linked Stefan Radu has chosen to renew with Lazio for another two seasons, despite an offer from the Nerazzurri.

This is reported in a tweet by Italian transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, who confirms that a deal has been reached which will keep the 34-year-old in Rome for two more seasons.

Radu’s contract with the Biancocelesti was set to expire at the end of the month, and Inter were thought to be keen on bringing him in on a free transfer.

One transfer priority for this summer at the Giuseppe Meazza is the acquisition of a left-sided defender who can back up first-choice Alessandro Bastoni, and Radu had been identified as an ideal target.

Moreover, the player’s familiarity with Inter coach Simone Inzgahi’s system and methods from the pair’s time together at Lazio would have allowed him to settle into life at Inter quickly.

However, Lazio were also keen on keeping the Romanian at the Stadio Olimpico for at least one more season, and the player has accepted a deal that keeps him at the club until 2023, preferring the length of the deal to the one-year offer presented by Inter.

The Nerazzurri will have to look elsewhere for a Bastoni backup for the upcoming season.

Di Marzio’s tweet reads: “#Radu renews with @OficcialSSLazio until 2023 and will continue to play for the club”