Roma sports chief Daniele Prade was tightlipped last night after a day of transfer talks in Barcelona over defender Cristian Chivu.

"Barcelona made an interesting offer," said Prade. "I cannot communicate it to you out of respect to the two clubs involved, but I repeat it was interesting."

The pressure is now on Inter to increase their bid or lose out on former Ajax defender Chivu for next season.

"Roma want £12m for Chivu. We have taken two days to think about it and will get back to Barcelona with a response."