Handanovic extends Inter deal until 2019

"I'm delighted to have renewed my contract," said Handanovic, whose contract was due to expire in the summer.

Although Inter released no financial details about the deal, Handanovic, who joined the club in 2012, is reported to have agreed to improved terms of 2.5m euros per year.

"When both parties want to extend then there are never any problems," he added.

The news comes as a boost to fans hoping to see the Nerazzurri end their six-year wait for the league title.

Inter's stingy defence has been key this season and Roberto Mancini's men currently top the table with a one-point lead on Fiorentina and Napoli, with champions Juventus three points adrift. After 17 games, Inter have conceded only 11 times.

Inter's first game of 2016 is away to Empoli on Wednesday and Mancini admitted it won't be an easy affair: "We'll need to be perfect because Empoli are a very good side in great form. (Empoli coach) Marco Giampaolo is doing a fantastic job there."

Empoli sit in eighth place at nine points off the pace.