January moves: What could Inter be thinking for the next silly season?

Just a month away from the winter transfer window, speculations are abounding over what Inter Milan may do on the market.

Will they attempt to capitalize on their success thus far this season, or will the Nerazzurri continue the trend of spending cautiously?

Keep up on Nerazzurri transfer news and rumors here.

Inter technical advisor Walter Sabatini is returning from China where he reportedly met with members of the Suning Group – including chairman Zhang Jindong – to discuss what might be next for the team.

According to Gazetta dello Sport, Inter management is looking ahead, but not without Financial Fair Play rules dictating a course of action in January that will not likely see any big “splash” signings. To avoid FFP issues, the team will need to find between €60-70 million by the end of the fiscal year.

That can be done with additional sponsorships, player sales or even Champions League revenues being applied to this year’s budget.

But, what does all that mean for the transfer window? Again, even with the issuing of bonds, the club is likely to keep funds tight for the time being and execute longer termed deals with current players and contracts structured with heavy performance incentives over lofty initial payments.

Sabatini could bring Ramires back from China when he returns to Milan this week, but the attacking midfielder will come with a price. It is reported Jiangsu Suning – Ramires’ current club – is interested in parting ways with him, but for around €10 million to Inter, which would be a sticking point.

Of course, there is continued talk about the Nerazzurri trading away midfielder Joao Mario for the likes of Javier Pastore at Paris-St. Germain or even a swap for Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan. It’s a little unclear as to what either of those deals would look like – whether it would be a straight swap or if cash would be part of the deal.

“I put this down as a hit, I think it makes sense for player and club. Both players and club,” said United boss Jose Mourinho, according to the Daily Star in the U.K. “I think it makes sense, like-for-like swap.”

Other potential moves in the winter would be the bring back Alessandro Bastoni from his loan stint at Bergamo. The Nerazzurri picked up Bastoni from Atalanta, but promptly shipped him off to Bastoni and Gazzetta believe the Orobici would allow a faster return to Milan.

To put money in the coffers, Inter management may be eyeing Benevento midfielder Amato Ciciretti. Inter could get him for a bargain this winter, then turn around and sell him in the summer for a profit. This would be similar to what the team did with Gianluca Caprari. After buying him for €6 million from Pescara, the Nerazzurri sold him to Sampdoria for €15 million.