Noted Agent Confirms Inter Milan “Wanted” To Sign Manchester City Newcomer: “Then The Premier League Clubs Arrived” | OneFootball

Famous agent Federico Pastorello confirmed Inter Milan ‘wanted’ to land Vitor Reis before Manchester City hijacked their move.

In his latest interview with Radio Sportiva via FCInterNews, Pastorello discussed the Brazilian’s departure from Palmeiras.

Vitor Reis swapped his boyhood club for the perennial Premier League champions during the January transfer window.

Indeed, Man City forked out £29.6 million to tie the 19-year-old defender down to a four-and-a-half-year contract.

However, Reis could’ve easily ended up at the San Siro.

Before Pep Guardiola joined the fray, Inter had tried to lure the highly-rated youngster to Serie A.

Unfortunately, the Nerazzurri couldn’t compete with Man City’s financial prowess.

Therefore, Reis has linked up with the Citizens this winter.

Meanwhile, Inter will switch their attention to other targets to add to Simone Inzaghi’s defensive options.

Bologna’s Sam Beukema is a realistic option for the Nerazzurri.

Federico Pastorello Admits Inter Milan Tried to Sign Vitor Reis from Palmeiras

Inter never stood a chance against Man City in a transfer battle.

However, they made a valiant attempt to secure Reis’ services.

Inter Milan’s Italian defender #15 Francesco Acerbi celebrates winning the 2024 Scudetto championship title on April 22, 2024, following the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Inter Milan at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

“I have to be honest, Inter tried,” Pastorello admitted. “They rated him highly and considered him a player worth going after.

“But once the Premier League giants got involved, the numbers skyrocketed.

“And in Italy, we don’t spend that kind of money on a 2006-born player, even if in three years he will be worth three times as much.”

Meanwhile, Pastorello delivered updates on Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi.

Both players could leave the San Siro at the end of the season amid a contractual standstill.

“There isn’t a real negotiation,” Pastorello added. “Inter has the option to extend their contracts by a certain deadline.

“We have to wait for the club’s decision – once they decide whether to activate the option or not, we will see what to do.

“If they activate it, they will stay; otherwise, we’ll have to find another solution.

“But they are calm. Acerbi unfortunately had some physical issues, but he has finally recovered and is ready to contribute.

“Stefan is doing very well, but that’s no surprise.”

Meanwhile, he confirmed both stars would like to stay.

“Inter is a top European club – it’s the dream of many players, if not all.

“I’m convinced they would be very happy to stay, but they are professionals.

“Right now, the focus is on the league, and the rest will be seen in due course.”

Andrei Radu Case

Elsewhere, Andrei Radu left Inter to join Venezia on a short-term deal.

Indeed, the Romanian ace joined the Serie A minnows to replace the injured Filip Stankovic.

Pastorello explained what happened toward the end of the transfer window.

“We met on Friday before the matches, and he was worried,” he stated. “Either you’re looking for a goalkeeper or you’re not…

“If you already have two goalkeepers, you don’t sign another one. One player’s misfortune can be another’s opportunity.

“Unfortunately, Stankovic got injured, and that opened the door for Radu.

“They are also friends, so on one hand, it brought joy, but on the other, there was sadness for a friend’s injury.”