Inter would be happy to extend the contract of captain Samir Handanovic, but only if he is willing to reduce his wages.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper FCInter1908, who report that the Nerazzurri are in no rush to see the captain leave, but that they will not offer a new deal worth close to the €2.5 million net per season that he currently earns.

Inter and Handanovic signed a one-season contract extension last summer worth €2.5 million, a drop-off compared to what the Slovenian had been earning previously.

The expectation was that the captain would stay on as a reliable option in goal whilst Andre Onana settled in, but that the summer arrival from Ajax would be transitioned into the starting role in goal.

This looks to have already taken place, as Onana has been trusted with the starting spot over Handanovic, perhaps earlier than expected.

This does not mean that the 38-year-old will not have a place in the squad past the end of the current season when his current contract expires.

Handanovic does remain an important figure in the dressing room, a mentor figure to Onana who is still growing and finding his feet in Serie A, and a reliable backup for the Cameroonian.

However, the Nerazzurri’s view is that €2.5 million net per season is too high for what Handanovic currently offers to the team.

Accordingly, the club’s intention is still to try and negotiate a new deal with the Slovenian former Udinese and Lazio keeper rather than look for a new backup to Onana in the transfer market, but only at reduced wages.