Tuttosport says Inter football chiefs Marco Branca and Lele Oriali are turning to Germany international Ballack after receiving little encouragement from Barcelona after an approach for Deco.

Inter assistant coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has admitted a new midfield signing is "a necessity" and Ballack is emerging as a top target for the defending Serie A champs as they seek a long-term successor for Portuguese veteran Luis Figo.