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As talks surrounding what Inter Milan may or may not do in the upcoming summer transfer season, a new target has emerged as a person of interest.
Calciomercato has suggested the Nerazzurri have already scouted RB Salzburg full back Stefan Lainer to help bolster its defense next season.
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The Austrian international was reportedly viewed by Inter Milan scouts during Austria’s UEFA European Championship qualification match with Poland last week.
Lainer has spent his entire career in Austria, starting with Seekirchen before going to Salzburg’s U15 squad in 2006. After rising to the U19 squad, he was loaned to RB Juniors in 2010 and Grodig in 2011.
After returning to RB Juniors, he went to FC Liefering on transfer in 2012 and was loaned to SV Ried in 2014. His move to RB Salzburg was made in 2015 for just under €300,000.
His recent run of form has jumped his market value to around €20 million, according to Transfermarkt.
It has also been reported that Lainer has been a long-time target of Carlo Ancelotti and Napoli meaning, if a transfer happens, Inter could battle Napoli, thus raising the price tag for the full back.
This season, Lainer has scored one goal and added two assists. He’s also been a solid performer for the squad on the right side.
As Inter look to likely send Sime Vrsaljko back to Atletico Madrid and Cedric Soares to Southampton after the season, they could be in the market for a right-back to team with Stefan de Vrij, Milan Skriniar and Kwadwo Asamoah on the back line.
RB Salzburg has recorded 18 shutouts this season and sit atop the Austrian Bundesliga standings on 27 points – four clear of LASK and 12 ahead of Sturm Graz. Their goal differential is the best, by far, in the league at +33 with LASK second at +21.
The squad was knocked out of the Europa League by, none other than Napoli, but are in the semifinals of the OFB Cup in Austria.
At 26 years old, Lainer would be a solid addition to the Nerazzurri defense, but that could only come to fruition if Inter Milan finish with a Champions League position. However, because this is the first time Lainer has been linked to Inter, it is too early to tell just how possible a move to the Giuseppe Meazza really is.
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