Inter Milan owner open to possible Lionel Messi swoop

Inter Milan owner Erick Thohir says his club would be in the queue to sign Lionel Messi should Barcelona ever decide to cash in on the Argentinian superstar.

Roberto Mancini has led Inter to the summit of Serie A this season, with some significant investment into the club from Indonesia turning them back into genuine challengers for the title after a few lean years.

Messi has been linked with moves to the Premier League – and in particular Manchester City – but Thohir says the Nerazzurri would not pass up the chance to make a stellar signing if the opportunity arose.

“Messi to Inter? Why not! When he finishes his contract with Barcelona, he’d be a great signing,” he said via the club’s official Twitter account.

“Our strategy is clear: we want to take Inter to the place we deserve, among the best 10 clubs in the world.

“We’re first in the standings after 17 games. We’re a solid team, with a great desire to win.

“We’re building a young, strong team, with the guidance of Roberto Mancini, to compete with the best clubs in the world.”