Inter confirm Chelsea Crespo talks

Inter Milan have confirmed they are negotiating with Chelsea, who have renewed their interest in Argentina striker Hernan Crespo.

The Italian giants, having fended off the Blues’ Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich earlier this summer when he inquired about Azzurri striker Christian Vieri, said on Wednesday they were willing to listen to offers for Crespo.

The South American has played just one season at the San Siro after previous spells at Parma and Lazio, and scored nine goals in the Champions League as the Nerazzurri reached the semi-finals.

Chelsea have already splashed out £75m (€108m) on new players and a world-class striker is thought to be their priority.

Inter general director Massimo Moretti said today: “We are negotiating with Chelsea.”

When asked if talks were about Crespo, Moretti said: “I cannot tell you anything more. What I can tell you is by the end of the day or tomorrow, there will be an official outcome.”

Informed of Moretti’s comments, Fernando Hidalgo, Crespo’s agent, told PA International: “There has been no progress since yesterday. Obviously the clubs must first reach an agreement before the player takes a decision. But there is still nothing concrete.”

Crespo refused to comment on his future after Argentina’s win over Uruguay on Wednesday. He accepted a wage cut earlier this summer and is contracted to Inter until summer 2006.