Inter Milan are pushing for a deal with Sampdoria for striker Antonio Cassano.

Cassano's agent is understood to have met with Inter chief Lele Oriali in Milan yesterday.

Inter have made a preliminary offer, including defender Nelson Rivas and midfielder Luis Jimenez, but it still has fallen short of what Samp would consider for parting with their star man.

Only last night, Inter coach Jose Mourinho admitted: "To improve this squad, we're still lacking a centre-forward."