Inter Milan are encouraging Manchester City to bid for Wesley Sneijder. Tuttosport says Inter want to sign Sao Paulo star Lucas this summer, but need to sell to raise the necessary funds and are banking on City making concrete their interest in Sneijder.

The Holland international has also been linked with Manchester United this week.

Inter feel they will get a free run at Lucas, with Chelsea having landed Lille ace Eden Hazard and Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho deciding the youngster wasn't ready for the Spanish Liga next season.