Inter Milan chief executive Alessandro Antonello has told Italian business outlet Il Sole 24 Ore that the club's new main shirt sponsor will come from Asia, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

Inter's search for a new shirt sponsor from the 2021/22 season has dragged on for over a year, with the club looking to secure a lucrative deal.

The Serie A outfit have partnered with Pirelli since the 1995/96 campaign in a deal that brings in a reported €10.5 million (US$12.5 million) per year. However, the Inter hierarchy reportedly value the shirt sponsorship at approximately €25 million (US$29.9 million) annually, rising to €30 million (US$35.9 million) with bonuses.

Pirelli had reportedly been in talks with Inter over an extension, but Chinese real estate group Evergrande is among several parties that have also been liked with a deal.

Though Antonello did not confirm which company would be taking over from Pirelli, he did say the tyre brand would still be involved with Inter in a "different role".

Evergrande remains a potential possibility as Inter's new shirt sponsor. The company has in the past worked closely with Inter owner Zhan Jindong's company Suning Holdings Group, which acquired a majority stake in Inter for a reported €270 million (US$323 million) back in June 2016.