Inter close on Mario Suarez

Inter Milan are stepping up their efforts to sign Spanish midfielder Mario Suarez from Atletico Madrid, according to Tuttosport.

Having reinforced their attacking department with Lukas Podolski and Xherdan Shaqiri, the Nerazzurri have turned their attention towards recruiting a quality central midfielder.

And while Lucas Leiva and Lassana Diarra remain on their radar, Atletico’s Mario Suarez has emerged as the primary target.

Having lost his place in the side at Vicente Calderon, the 27-year-old is tempted by the prospect of moving to Italy, although los Colchoneros value the midfielder at €15 million.

Inter are set to test Atletico’s resolve with an official offer in the coming days, while they also hope Javier Zanetti will be able to persuade his former teammate Diego Simeone to allow Suarez to move to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Having recorded a 2-0 win in the first leg, los Colchoneros are 19/4 to defeat Real Madrid in Copa del Rey Last 16 stage return match and make it to the quarter-finals.