Inter Milan have approached Ligue 1 outfit, Rennes, about the possibility of bringing French international, Paul-Georges Ntep, to the San Siro this summer, according to Le 10 Sport. 

Ntep, who made his debut for the French national side in last month's friendly defeat to Belgium, had attracted the eye of Premier League side Sunderland in January, with the Black Cats reported to have offered Rennes €9 million for his services.

The French source also report that the Nerazzurri have held talks with Ntep's parent club throughout this month, though the side have yet to formalise an offer as they prepare for the new Serie A season.

The Frenchman will become the sixth addition of the summer 

Should the 22-year-old agree to a move, he will become the sixth arrival of the month and, additionally, the tenth of the Roberto Mancini era in Milan.

The club have already secured the services of France compatriot, Geoffrey Kondogbia, from Monaco for £28 million. Full-back Martin Montoya, meanwhile, has arrived on a season-long loan deal from FC Barcelona, joining forces with Miranda, who arrived from Atletico MadridJeison Murillo arrived from Granada, and Jonathan Biabany, formerly of Inter, signed from Parma

Roberto Mancini's side finished in a harrowing eighth place last campaign, failing to qualify for European football altogether, but the Italian, with the help of club CEO, Erick Thohir, realises the task that faces the club as they aim to repair the damage left from previous regimes. 

The winger Roberto Mancini may be crying out for

Mancini's desire for a potent wide player has been well-documented. Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski arrived back in January, but both have, to varying degrees, failed to live up to the expectations set by the Italian. The latter was sent back to Arsenal, where he was shortly shifted out to Turkey, whilst the Swiss' future is up in the air.

Ntep, though still raw, provides the perfect blend of pace and trickery, which saw him net nine times and grab five assists in Rennes' domestic exploits. 

Lack of European football providing an obstacle

Although Inter remain one of the most famed clubs on the continent, their pulling power has diminished significantly due to their failure to qualify for Europe's most coveted competition in recent years. 

Though Rennes aren't on track to achieve European qualification in the near future, the Frenchman may feel that for his development to continue on its upward trajectory, his next career move must be to a destination offering the allure of European football. 

There were some reports in May that Liverpool had shown interest in the youngster, but the Merseyside club pulled out of the race as they could not offer Champions League football. 

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About the author
Craig Vickers
Milk, honey and Andy Murray. Email: craigvickers1998[at]outlook.com