Inter Milan are launching a January bid for Palermo striker Edison Cavani.

Gazzetta dello Sport says despite the denials of Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini, Inter rival Massimo Moratti will bankroll a move for Cavani next month.

Moratti is turning to Cavani after learning that Goran Pandev, the Lazio striker, had been in contact with AC Milan.

Inter chiefs are convinced they can land Cavani, particularly after he was attacked by thugs following a training session earlier this month. The young Uruguayan was shaken by the ordeal and is now plotting his escape from Sicily.