Source: Daily_Mail
Brazil star Maicon linked to a £20m Inter-City switch as Chelsea bid hits buffers
Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Brazil right-back Maicon from Inter Milan.
But the Italians are stalling on their £20million offer while they wait on counter-bids from Chelsea and Real Madrid, according to newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
The player's agent Antonio Caliendo confirmed the approach and the report says City are also prepared to offer Elano, who is desperate for a switch to the San Siro.
Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca has returned from talks with Chelsea in London but indicated the London club were not ready to make a move for Maicon.
The Italian discussed buying Ricardo Carvalho and Deco from the Blues but a move for Maicon is tied to the sale of Jose Bosingwa to Bayern Munich.
Madrid have a long-standing interest in the raiding full-back but have not yet made an offer.
There has been talk of Manchester United showing an interest, but Caliendo said: 'Maicon is the best right-back in the world. I would rule out that Manchester United are looking for him but I know that City made an approach.
'The man who will decide is Inter president Massimo Moratti. Moratti says there is a 50 per cent chance of Maicon staying but modern football is not like it used to be.
'Things can change rapidly, everything can be bought and sold, books need to be balanced and so on.'
Inter have offered Nicolas Burdisso to Chelsea as part of the deal for Carvalho and Deco, but the Argentina defender is reluctant to leave the San Siro.
'I have spoken to Mourinho, who told me that he is happy with me and that I have a lot to give to Inter,' said the 28-year-old.
'My relationship with Mourinho is excellent and I hope that it remains like that in the future. I have learned a lot with him.
'Last season was a positive year for me and my wish is to remain at Inter. I have no intention to change team.'
