Inter Milan send scout to Lisbon to compile report on James

Targets for next season

This evening's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Sporting Clube de Portugal won't just be the focus for madridistas and leoes - the game will also have a special significance over in Italy - specifically in the back rooms at Inter Milan, say Calciomercato.com. The  webpage reports that Inter have sent an emissary, Mario Corso to compile a report on two players at the José Alvalade: Madrid's James Rodríguez  and Sporting's Gelson Martins.

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James' name has been circled by Inter's owners the Suning Group, as one of next summer's targets as they seek to rebuild the team. And according to the Italian press, the club is ready to shell out for one or two world class stars and James Rodríguez has long been on their agenda. Last summer they made an offer of 85 million euros accepted on deadline day only for the player to torpedo the move by refusing to leave. Inter feel confident that the Colombian's current situation under Zidane will convince him to accept a move to Milan next year. Another madridista who Inter are interested in is Mateo Kovacic, who has converted himself in an important player within the team for Zidane.

Clubs queuing for Martins

Corso will also be closely monitoring Sporting Clube winger Gelson Martins at the José Alvalade tonight. The 21-year-old impressed in the MatchDay 1 meeting at the Bernabéu and has aroused the attentions of a number of Europe's top sides including Manchester United, Barça and Manchester City. Portuguese daily Récord reported earlier this week that there will be a handful of scouts at the Madrid game tonight to gain another look at the player. Sporting renewed his contract last year to 2021 and reset his buy-out clause to 60 million euros. Nevertheless, those in Portugal are resigned that Martins will likely be playing at one of Europe's big teams next season.

James

• Everton
• centrocampista
• Colombia

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