The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Roberto Mancini is interested in bringing Tottenham playmaker Erik Lamela to Inter Milan.
Mancini has returned to Inter for a second spell as coach and believes Lamela would slot into the 4-3-1-2 system he has in mind.
Mancini is believed to have asked Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio to enquire about a loan deal for Lamela. But the 22-year-old Argentinian is playing regularly under Mauricio Pochettino and Inter would find it very difficult to take him away from Spurs.
The Franco Baldini signings not good enough for Tottenham
The midfielder – who cost Spurs £30million in August 2013 - has already made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three, though he is still yet to break his Premier League goal duck.
Lamela had a difficult first season at White Hart Lane, which was marred by injury, but has shown glimpses of his brilliance and Mancini will face competition in the unlikely case that Spurs allow their midfielder to leave.
Serie A giants Juventus and former club Roma are also among those ready to offer Lamela a fresh start.
