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Spalletti expects Icardi and Perisic to stay at Inter

Luciano Spalletti does not intend to lose either Mauro Icardi or Ivan Perisic before Inter get their 2018-19 season underway

Spalletti expects Icardi and Perisic to stay at Inter
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Inter boss Luciano Spalletti is confident Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic will stay at the club during the transfer window.

Icardi and Perisic confidence

The future of striker Icardi has again come under scrutiny, with Real Madrid said to be considering a bid as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who has joined Juventus.

Perisic, meanwhile, has been linked with Manchester United for the second year in a row after impressing in Croatia's run to the World Cup final.

But Spalletti hopes Inter's return to the Champions League will help to ensure his best players stay at San Siro before the start of the season.

FC Sion's Swiss midfielder Anto Grgic vies with Inter Milan's Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi during a friendly football match between FC Sion and Inter Milan on July 18, 2018 at Tourbillon stadium in Sion.
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FC Sion's Swiss midfielder Anto Grgic vies with Inter Milan's Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi during a friendly football match between FC Sion and Inter Milan on July 18, 2018 at Tourbillon stadium in Sion.FABRICE COFFRINIAFP

"They're exceptional professionals, reference points for our team, who have helped to determine the growth of this team's character," he told Rai. "Qualifying for the Champions League has brought new stimulus. 

"I've talked to Ivan: he's tired. He's resting now and then he'll come with us [for pre-season]. He didn't give me any sign of wanting to leave. It's the same with Mauro.

"It's clear he'll need to revise his contract, but the signs are all positive. They have to stay."

Inter reinforcements planned

With Joao Cancelo having opted to sign for Juventus, Inter have been tipped to bring in a new right-back as well as another midfielder before the season gets underway.

Atletico Madrid's Sime Vrsaljko has been linked, and Spalletti admits he is an admirer of the Croatia international, along with reported long-term target Arturo Vidal.

The Croatia team return from the World Cup in Russia | Croatia's Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko on stage.
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The Croatia team return from the World Cup in Russia | Croatia's Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko on stage.ANTONIO BRONICREUTERS

"[Sporting director] Piero Ausilio is the guy who negotiates," he said. "He's coming back from China and I do not know the latest news. They are definitely strong players."