Inter Milan News

The 19-year-old midfielder is being courted by Manchester United and Inter Milan, with Premier League and Serie A heavyweights ready to slug it out for his signature.

Neither club has been able to make much headway on the transfer front, though, with Sao Paulo understandably reluctant to part with such a sought-after talent.

They are refusing to drop their asking price, ensuring that interested parties remain cautious when it comes to negotiations.

Lucas is fully aware of the furore surrounding his future, but maintains that his sole focus at present is locked on a gold medal quest.

Calm

He is, however, prepared to admit that he will make a decision one way or another once his involvement at London 2012 has come to an end.

Lucas told ESPN Brasil: “At the moment I’m a Sao Paulo player and I’m focused on the Olympics.

“I don’t want to worry about this. If I am meant to leave now, it will happen. Otherwise, I’ll remain calm because I’m still very young.

“After the Olympics are over, I’ll decide. If I stay at Sao Paulo, I’ll be happy because it’s the club where I started my career.”

Marseille are reportedly seeking a fee of €18million (£14m) for the 22-year-old, who has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona in the past.

But according to the French and Italian media, it is Inter who are prepared to meet the Ligue 1 side’s demands.

The Ghana international claims to be happy at Marseille but admits he would relish a move if it was in the club’s best interests.

“I am looking forward to pre-season and seeing what will happen regarding my future,” said Ayew.

“Marseille is my home and I’m happy to be here. But if I have to leave to improve and the club get what they are looking for, who knows?

“Premier League, Spanish Liga or Serie A are all top leagues and to play there is to play against the best in Europe.”

The highly-rated 19-year-old joined Inter last summer after forging a reputation at Feyenoord.

Inter secured his services with one eye on the future, but were unable to offer the youngster the opportunities he craves.

As a result, they have allowed him to head home in a €6million (£4.7m) deal.

Twente have swooped for Castaignos’ services after offloading Luuk de Jong to Borussia Monchengladbach, and he is looking forward to shouldering goalscoring responsibility once again.

“I am going from Inter to Twente for €6million,” Castaignos told FCInterNews.

“I signed a four-year contract, but I would prefer for the financial details to remain private.

Improving

“I came to Inter in order to show who Luc Castaignos really was and what I am capable of on a football field, but had very few opportunities to do that.

“In any case, I hope this year can be better for the Nerazzuri, because they do not deserve to experience another season like that.

“I chose Twente because I wanted to join a team where I knew I’d have a better chance of playing and improving.”

FC Twente coach Steve McClaren is confident Castaignos can rediscover his best form in the Eredivisie.

He told Voetbal International: “The important thing is that we have a goalscorer, and that is what Castaignos is.

“It says something that the boy could score 15 goals in his first season at Feyenoord.

“In recent months we were trying to build a team around De Jong, but the players we’ve attracted will be very good alongside Castaignos.”

The Internacional striker has long been linked with a move to Europe, with Tottenham thought to have seen a bid for the 22-year-old turned down earlier this month, while Inter Milan are also believed to be keen.

The Rossoneri have now joined the race for Damiao’s signature as they seek a replacement for frontman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who joined Paris St Germain in a big-money move this week.

The Brazil international’s agent, Vinicius Prates, claims he has met with members of Milan’s hierarchy to fuel talk of a potential deal.

He told Terra: “I met Milan board members just to know them.

“It was the first contact. Let’s see if it develops within the next few days.”