Hearts reject Pinilla wanted by Inter Milan

Grosseto striker Mauricio Pinilla has welcomed reports linking him with Inter Milan.

The 26-year-old from Chile, who used to play for Hearts in Scotland, has scored in each of his last 12 games, taking his tally up to 20 this season.

Asked about Pinilla yesterday, Inter President Massimo Moratti said: “We are already interested. He was our player.”

Yesterday, Pinilla told Corriere dello Sport: “I can only thank Moratti and Branca because seven years ago they brought me to Italy for the first time.

“If there were to be a new opportunity for me I would do everything to exploit it this time. Inter are a dream for anyone. But for now, I am happy to be at Grosseto and to have finally matured as a player and a man.

“I am very happy that such important clubs are interested in me. I hope to be able to realise the dream that I had as a little boy: becoming a champion and playing for a big club.

“I repeat it's a dream to wear the Inter shirt not just for me. I feel mature enough for a big club and I would like to re-pay the club for the trust that they have given me in the past and that they are giving me by following my progress closely today.

“To be trained by the greatest Coach in the world would be really special for anyone, also because Mourinho knows how to get the best from every player. But I don't want to dream too much."