Inter Milan chief cools Drogba link

(GETTY IMAGES)

Internazionale president Massimo Moratti has dismissed reports that the Italian champions are hoping to sign Didier Drogba in January.

The Chelsea striker was reported to have met with Inter officials last week regarding a potential move to Serie A.

Drogba would be reunited with former Chelsea and now Inter coach Jose Mourinho at the San Siro.

However, Moratti has dropped a strong hint that the club's main transfer business will not be conducted when the transfer window reopens next month.

He said: "June is some way off for now, so these reports are just journalistic inventions.

"We have that many players at a good level that I'm not even thinking about looking for any new ones."

Moratti has also insisted that Mario Balotelli is not for sale, despite reported interest in the teenager from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea.

The Serie A leaders are determined to keep the 18-year-old, who is under contract with the Nerazzurri until 2011, at the San Siro.

"Balotelli is not for sale," said Moratti. "He is one of our players and will remain at the club."

Balotelli has made just three league starts with Jose Mourinho's side so far this season.

Meanwhile, Inter have not agreed to sign Thiago Silva, according to the Fluminese defender’s representative.

The 24-year-old, who has also been linked with a switch to AC Milan, is expected to leave the Brazilian side when his contract expires at the end of this month.

However, his future remains unclear, with his agent, Paulo Tonietto, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “He never signed anything with Inter.

“There is nothing going on with them at the moment, it is just press speculation.

“The Nerazzurri are a great club and every player would like to move there, but we have not decided yet.

“Milan too showed their interest, but they are bound by the rules on non-EU players.

“There are different sides keen on his services around Europe, not just Italian, but also Spanish, German and English clubs.

“We will make a decision over the next few days. He loves Calcio very much, but is also fascinated by the Liga and the Premier League.”