Spartak Moscow midfielder Radoslav Kovac is back on the agenda for Inter Milan.
Inter had planned to use Cristian Chivu in midfield when needed, but the Romania international is now required to cover Materazzi's absence, so forcing the champs back into the market for a defensive midfielder.
The prime target is Czech Republic international Kovac, who would become available should Spartak be dumped out of the Champions League by Celtic next week.
Also on Inter's shopping list is Palermo's Hernan Paolo Dellafiore. The versatile defender is on the verge of a move to Torino, but Inter's situation could stall negotiations.