Inter Milan president Erick Thohir hailed the capture of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic but hinted on Thursday that the club's rebuilding could continue with a summer clear-out of ageing stock.
Vidic signed a three-year deal through to June 2017 with the ailing Serie A giants on Wednesday, with the Serbian international defender set to earn 2.8 million euros (£2.3m, $3.8m) plus bonuses annually, according to Italian media reports.
Although Vidic will join Inter for the start of next season, their rebuilding began with the acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Hernanes from Lazio in January.
Club owner and president Thohir said he regarded both players as pivotal to his long-term plan to make Inter, Champions League winners in 2010, competitive again both at home and abroad.
But after landing at Milan airport ahead of Sunday's home game against Torino, the Indonesian businessman also hinted that some of Inter's older stock could be moved on.
"We're looking to lay solid foundations over the next three years. We've signed Hernanes and Vidic, both of whom are leaders, and we have to add more players ahead of next season," Thohir said.
"I think we'll have more stability at the club and I would like the average age to be 26 and a half."
Thohir in the past has affirmed his intention to see talent break through from the club's youth ranks.
But Thursday's La Gazzetta dello Sport speculated that sporting director Piero Ausilio is keen on Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna, as well as Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
The report added that veteran striker Diego Milito, 34, could be sold, paving the way for the arrival of another forward to supplement Argentinians Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi.
Walter Samuel, 35, could also be on the way out while fellow defender Andrea Ranocchia, who has fallen out of favour with coach Walter Mazzarri, is almost certain to leave, added the report.
Thohir, meanwhile, has played down speculation suggesting that Ajax boss Frank De Boer will replace Mazzarri.
"He's a good coach, but we haven't had any contact. I don't know him and I've never met him," added Thohir.
Inter missed out on Europe this campaign due to a disastrous ninth-place finish last season under Andrea Stramaccioni.
The Nerazzurri currently sit fifth in the table, 11 points behind the last Champions League qualifying place occupied by third-placed Napoli and 28 behind leaders Juventus.
Source: AFP
