The agent of Brazilian attacker Lucas Moura has claimed that his client was eager to sign for Inter Milan during the summer transfer window.
Moura has since agreed to join French side Paris Saint-Germain in January 2013.
However, Roberto Calenda has revealed that only a "financial crisis" prevented the 20-year-old from becoming an Inter player.
"At the end of the day [Lucas] had chosen Inter. It wasn't just a verbal agreement, as he had authorisation from Sao Paolo," said Calenda. "There were other interested parties, above all Real Madrid, but less so Manchester United, as [Lucas] never wanted to go there.
"Sao Paolo confirmed they were willing to sell [Lucas]. Inter had the opportunity but chose not to because of the financial crisis.
"Inter began courting [Lucas] a year and a half ago. Family visited Milan and saw Champions League game at San Siro when Claudio Ranieri was coach."
Lucas has made 17 appearances for the Brazilian national team.
Liam Apicella
