Could Chinese funds convince Messi to leave Barcelona for Inter?

While Italy is rarely mentioned as a destination for the Argentinian, according to daily La Repubblica Inter are determined to go whatever lengths necessary to bring him to San Siro.

Chinese investor group Suning, which is one of the main shareholders of the Milano club, will spare no resources to lure Messi to Inter this coming summer.

The Italian newspaper reports that Suning have identified the Argentinian global idol as the only player who can single-handedly restore faith and hope to an Inter fanbase which has seen their team abolish its status as a contender for European silverware after winning the Champions League title in 2010.