MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to trigger Mauro Icardi’s £97million release clause, according to reports in Italy.
But the Prem giants will face a battle to land the striker, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also interested.
Icardi, 25, has been in fine form this season, scoring 18 goals in Serie A.
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But he may be tempted to leave Inter Milan this summer, with the club not certain to qualify for the Champions League.
Italian paper Corriere dello Sport report that Inter are hoping to move quickly to sign Icardi to a new deal – but negotiations have so far been slow.
None of the three clubs would have any problem paying the release clause for Icardi, especially with more inflated fees likely to be seen in the transfer market this summer.
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio had a message for Icardi’s wife Wanda Nara – who also acts as his agent – after she had spoke out.
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He said: “The more we talk about renewing, the more we slow things down.”
Nara had said last week that “big teams showed their appreciation” for her husband last summer, hinting that a move could be on the cards.
Nara said: “I’m taking care of his future.
“At the very least, I must listen to them and evaluate the conditions and situation.
“Big clubs also wanted him in the past, but Mauro has always chosen Inter.
“He’s done a lot for these colours and never doubted what shirt he wanted to wear.
“He was chosen to be their captain at the age of 22 and, unlike what’s been said, he has an excellent relationship with his team-mates.
“He wants the best for Inter, like Ausilio does, but I, and only I, will take care of Mauro’s future.
“Therefore, I have to evaluate his options: everything goes through me, so whoever wants Icardi must knock on my door first.”
The Argentina striker has scored 89 goals and added 21 assists in Serie A in 147 games since the 2013-14 season.