"?Inter Milan are prepared to pay €50m in a bid to gain the services of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, according to reports in the "?Italian Media.
There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the 46-year-old's future after he made the surprising decision to reduce the length of his contract at the Vicente Calderon.
ICYMI: #FCIM could pay €50m to free Diego Simeone from #Atleti contract next summer https://t.co/gxqMmKT08q #Argentina pic.twitter.com/pfbN9zRIGT
The Argentinian is keen to be in charge for Atletico's first season in their new stadium, which is set to be ready for the 2017/2018 campaign which now looks set to be Simeone's final year in charge.
Simone has been linked with a move to a number of Europe's top clubs but Inter Milan appear to be the front runners after Simeone admitted he would like to return to his former club to manage one day.
Speculation has intensified that the San Siro will be the Argentine's next destination after he was spotted in Milan and refused to deny rumours he was in the city to speak to Nerazzurri officials.
Reports now suggest that Inter aren't prepared to wait until 2018 and their Chinese owners, Suning Groupare, are willing to pay €50m to bring Simeone to the San Siro ahead of schedule.
AC Milan 2-2 Inter FT:
Possession: 42%-58%
Chances created: 7-18
Pass accuracy: 72%-85%
Shots: 10-21 pic.twitter.com/ukT18N9UGH
The money would help cover the cost of the 46-year-old's release clause and his €5m wages.
The Nerazzurri only recently appointed Stefano Pioli as their current manager, after predecessor Frank de Boer was sacked following the team's poor start to the season.
Pioli's contract expires in the summer of 2018, which suggests that Simeone was already being lined up to take over for the 2018/2019. However, as Inter continue to struggle to compete for the Serie A title, the club may be tempted to make a move for the Atletico boss earlier than expected.