Inter Milan chief Marco Branca is convinced they will sign Roma defender Cristian Chivu ahead of Barcelona.

"We don't know about the contact between Roma and Barcelona," insisted Branca. "We have the consensus of the player and hope to reach an agreement with his club as well."

Chivu met with Inter officials on Monday and it's alleged he gave them his word to make the transfer to San Siro.

However, this direct approach angered Roma, who are eager to send him overseas instead.

"Barcelona are authorised to negotiate with Chivu and his agent, considering the excellent rapport between the clubs," revealed Roma sports director Daniele Prade.