Davide Santon is officially an Inter player once again

Davide Santon has reportedly reached the appearance requirement for Inter set forth in his initial loan contract, which means he'll become a permanent Inter player come summer. Santon played in his 10th game for the Nerazzurri in the side's 1-1 draw with Cesena on Sunday, and this was apparently the number which triggered his permanent return to Inter.

Apparently, Newcastle and Inter were corresponding late last week and were preparing the paperwork to secure Santon's move back to Inter going into Sunday's match. The Italian fullback has proven himself to be a solid defender and a legitimate attacking threat for Inter. Santon has put in some beautiful crosses in his appearances so far for Inter and has made his presence known to opposing attackers as part of the Inter back line. Now that Santon has shown his skill and demonstrated his fitness (in an admittedly small sample size), his triumphant return to Inter is all but done.

In exchange, Inter have agreed to pay English side Newcastle 2.8 million pounds. The transfer will formally go through at the end of the season.

Based on Santon's play for Inter so far, this seems like a solid move for the club at the right price. Now, if Mancini and Ausilio are able to bring in another pair of quality defenders this summer, Inter would have the talent to make a legitimate run at a top spot in Serie A and qualification to the Champions League the following season.