Inter Milan's owners are working behind-the-scenes on an attempt to prise Lionel Messi away from Barcelona.

As his contract runs down, Messi continues to be linked with a shock move to the Nerazzurri.

The midfielder's father, Jorge, has recently relocated to Milan, which has further encouraged Inter in their pursuit, says Gazzetta dello Sport.

The club's Chinese owners Suning are now studying how Juventus managed to tempt Cristiano Ronaldo away from Real Madrid and aim to use the blueprint to do the same with Messi.

Inter president Steven Zhang is also drumming up fresh sponsorship support to help bankroll a move for the Argentine superstar.

Off contract next June, Messi can sign a pre-contract with Inter from January 1.