Is Inter really interested in Borja Valero?

Today’s Mercato news includes a little rivalry.

Tuttosport has reported Inter boss Luciano Spalletti has a keen interest in Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero. The news outlet said the Spaniard is “an express request” of Spalletti and that a deal could be done “over the next few days.”

This is the first report out of Italy that corroborates an earlier story out of Spain that suggested Valero was close to signing with AC Milan and reuniting with coach Vincenzo Montella — who worked with Valero during his time with the Viola as they reached the Europa League three straight seasons.

However, those Spanish reports were not corroborated … until now but with Internazionale, not AC.

Last season, Valero had one goal and nine assists in 32 Serie A games. He notched a goal and an assist in Europa League play as well.

Valero, who joined the Viola from Villareal CF in 2012 for €7 million, has a market value today of around €9 million and reports are that the bid from Spalletti will be in the neighborhood of €8 million.

That deal, if true, would not likely be rejected by Fiorentina.

With Marcelo Brozovic and Éver Banega potentially on Everton’s mind and Roberto Gagliardini’s future in the air as a return to Atalanta could be in the offing, another midfield option could be a need for Spalletti. It would leave Joao Mário and Geoffrey Kondogbia in the midfield.

If this is a realistic deal, we may know something in the next few days.