A former AC Milan director has revealed how he hijacked Inter’s move for Manuel Locatelli and led him to the Rossoneri instead, according to a report in the Italian broadcast media.

Speaking during an interview with Corriere di Bergamo, Mauro Bianchessi explained how when Manuel Locatelli moved to AC Milan’s academy, he was actually very close to joining Inter instead.

Locatelli was about to close the agreement with Inter. The agreement was almost final, but I convinced his family to bring him to the Rossoneri.”

The Italy midfielder has gained a lot of admirers this week after he scored twice during Italy’s 3-0 win over Switzerland in the second game of Group A. The first saw him finish off a counter-attack that he started, and the second was an excellent shot from the edge of the box.

It is widely believed that he will be leaving Sassuolo at the end of the season as he has outgrown the club, with teams such as Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain being linked with the talented midfielder from Lecco.