Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has revealed they have turned their attention from Javier Mascherano to Felipe Melo.
The Nerazzurri were being strongly linked with Mascherano, who almost left Liverpool for Barcelona last summer, and initial discussions had begun with the Argentinian midfielder's camp.
However, the Italian champions have baulked at Liverpool's asking price for the 26-year-old, thought to be around £25million.
Instead, Moratti admits they are now weighing up a move for Juventus midfielder Melo, who like Mascherano is currently on World Cup duty.
Intriguing
"Mascherano is a strong player, but it is unlikely that he will arrive," he said.
"He simply costs too much and it is not certain that Liverpool will sell.
"Melo is an intriguing idea and one that we are working on."
The Brazil international, also 26, could be made available as he has struggled to hit top form since his £20million move to Juve from Fiorentina last summer.
Moratti insists strike pair Mario Balotelli and Diego Milito will not be leaving Inter this summer, though.
Brazilian right-back Maicon could follow Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid, however, as new Inter coach Rafa Benitez begins the unenviable task of following Mourinho's Treble-winning success with Inter last season.
Repeat effort
"Balotelli is our future and Milito won't move," Moratti added. "Maicon? We'll have to wait and see about him.
The Nerazzurri were being strongly linked with Mascherano, who almost left Liverpool for Barcelona last summer, and initial discussions had begun with the Argentinian midfielder's camp.
However, the Italian champions have baulked at Liverpool's asking price for the 26-year-old, thought to be around £25million.
Instead, Moratti admits they are now weighing up a move for Juventus midfielder Melo, who like Mascherano is currently on World Cup duty.
Intriguing
"Mascherano is a strong player, but it is unlikely that he will arrive," he said.
"He simply costs too much and it is not certain that Liverpool will sell.
"Melo is an intriguing idea and one that we are working on."
The Brazil international, also 26, could be made available as he has struggled to hit top form since his £20million move to Juve from Fiorentina last summer.
Moratti insists strike pair Mario Balotelli and Diego Milito will not be leaving Inter this summer, though.
Brazilian right-back Maicon could follow Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid, however, as new Inter coach Rafa Benitez begins the unenviable task of following Mourinho's Treble-winning success with Inter last season.
Repeat effort
"Balotelli is our future and Milito won't move," Moratti added. "Maicon? We'll have to wait and see about him.
