Inter will announce their new main shirt sponsor when Steven Zhang returns to Milan later this month, according to a report in the Italian media today.

Pirelli’s 26-year deal with the Nerazzurri expires at the end of the season and there is constant speculation over who could replace the Italian tyre manufacturer.

FcInterNews.it said Suning had met numerous high-profile groups in recent weeks, either to secure new commercial partners or to renew pre-existing deals.

Hisense, EA Sports, Honor, Oppo, On Plus, Huawei, Xiaomi and Samsung are among the businesses they spoke to, and any one of these could potentially end up being Inter’s shirt sponsor.

Inter remain a key strategic investment for Suning, the report assured, despite fears last month that the Nerazzurri could follow in the footsteps of Jiangsu FC (who went out of business).

Suning need Inter in order to expand their business in the western world and are therefore seeking new sponsorship deals for the club at the moment.

Pirelli’s deal was often criticised for not being lucrative enough and it seems likely that Inter’s new sponsor would guarantee them a lot more money.

Whoever replaced Pirelli though, FCIN said it was clear that Suning remained a huge economic force in China and had no intention of throwing in the towel at Inter anytime soon.