Inter Milan are prepared to pay Atletico Madrid compensation to recruit Diego Simeone as manager, according to reports.
The Argentine has become one of the most highly-rated coaches in world football after turning Los Colchoneros into a side able to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga and in Europe.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Inter's new Chinese owners Suning Group are ready to spend €50m (£45m) on bringing Simeone to the club in the next 12 months.
The 46-year-old's contract at the Vicente Calderon was recently shortened to June 2018, while new Nerazzurri boss Stefano Pioli has a deal at San Siro until June 2018.
Simeone made 57 appearances for Inter between 1997 and 1999.