Inter Milan’s interest in signing Russian club Zenit defender Robert Renan is beginning to fade.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. T<

hey report that the Nerazzurri are cooling their pursuit over the likely cost of signing the 20-year-old.

Zenit defender Renan is one of the players to have emerged on Inter’s shortlist of possible signings for the back three.

The Nerazzurri had been close to signing Hellas Verona defender Juan Cabal.

However, the Colombian instead went to Juventus.

Therefore, Inter are now back at square one in their search for a defensive signing.

The profile that they are seeking, however, remains the same. Inter want to bring in a player who can deputize for Alessandro Bastoni on the left of the back three.

This would allow Carlos Augusto to play exclusively at wingback, covering for Tajon Buchanan. Last season, the Brazilian regularly played in the back three as well.

Inter Cool Pursuit Of Zenit Defender Robert Renan – Price Tag An Issue

Aged just twenty, Renan would certainly fit the age profile that Inter owners Oaktree Capital are seeking.

The Nerazzurri owners reportedly prefer to sign a young player with potential to grow and improve, as well as resale value, rather than moving for a more experienced player as a short-term option.

Moreover, the left-footed Brazilian defender is a player who Inter have identified as basically having the right profile to play in their back three.

Renan joined Zenit St. Petersburg from Corinthians last summer. However, he is currently on loan with Internacional in his native Brazil.

Renan has a release clause in his contract with Zenit worth €26 million.

That is considerably more than Inter are aiming to pay for a left-sided defender, however.

The Russian club could reportedly accept a fee closer to €20 million to sell the Brazilian.

But even then, that would be well out of what the Nerazzurri consider to be their price tag.

As things stand, the sense is that Inter would struggle to agree a fee with Zenit, and will likely move onto other targets at the back.