Chivu close to Inter move

After Chivu rejected an 18 million euro move to Spanish champions Real Madrid, Inter reiterated their interest and according to the player's agent Giovanni Becali, the Milan club are very close to finalising a deal.

"Chivu is in Rome and he could be in Milan by tomorrow," Becali told Italian news agency ANSA.

Chivu has been at the top of the Inter shopping list since June and the defender-come-midfielder has always been keen on a move to the Serie A champions, however Roma and Inter have taken months in agreeing the transfer and according to Becali the hold-up had nothing to do with the fee.

"It wasn't about the money, it was a question of pride between Roma president Rosella Sensi and Inter president Massimo Moratti," he said.

After lengthy negotiations it is believed the clubs have agreed a £9 million deal with Italy under-21 international Marco Andreolli moving the other way.

Chivu began his career in Romania with CSM Resita before spending four years in Holland at Ajax. The 26-year-old arrived at Roma in 2003 and last year helped the club reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League and claim second spot in Serie A.