Antonio Conte is convinced he can revive Alexis Sanchez’s ailing career at Inter this season, according to Tuttosport.

The Nerazzurri’s head coach wanted to sign El Niño Maravilla during his spells with Juventus and Chelsea but neither club secured the deal for him.

Manchester United now appear likely to grant Conte his wish as they look to offload the player’s monstrous €14 million annual salary after tax.

Inter are in talks with United over a loan deal with an option to buy, with an agreement said to be ‘very close’.

United want €5 million for the initial loan and €15 million for the option to buy, whereas Inter would prefer the loan to be free.

Sanchez’s salary is the bigger issue for both clubs to resolve, though, because Inter only wish to pay a €4-5 million sum this season.

United are prepared to cover 50% of the player’s wages (€7 million), which leaves €2-3 million still up in the air during negotiations.

Sanchez is considering cutting his wages by €1.5 million to help Inter push their deal through, but even if this happened an agreement will not be reached until tomorrow or Wednesday.

Inter remain optimistic about finalising the deal and hope it will be 48 hours at most before Conte welcomes his latest reinforcement.

The Nerazzurri have seven days before they play their first Serie A fixture of the new season at home to Lecce.