Inter: Elano too expensive
by Adam Marshall, 02 January 2008
Inter president Massimo Moratti does not expect Manchester City playmaker Elano to join the club this month.
The classy Brazilian is a top target for Inter coach Roberto Mancini who has admired his silky skills this term.
However, Moratti is in no rush to splash out on the former Shakhtar Donetsk star who made an instant impact at Eastlands last year.
"I don't know him well and, from an economical point of view, it doesn't seem like a feasible operation," Moratti told Wednesday's Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I'm waiting a little while so I know a bit more but there's no rush and there isn't only him."
Sven Goran Eriksson has expressed concern at the South American's dip in form and will treat him carefully in the coming weeks.
We must be careful with Elano," said the City boss.
"He is not 100 percent fit and has not been for some time, which is a real pity for us.
"He had to travel a lot for internationals and then he got injured, so we will have to monitor him carefully.
"He is an important player for us and we will not take any risks with him at all."
Meanwhile, Moratti has confirmed Roy Hodgson asked his permission before accepting the job at Fulham.
The veteran coach had been earmarked for a role at Giuseppe Meazza after promising Moratti he would return but instead accepted the chance to manage in The Premier League again.
"With Roy, he asked me if he could accept Fulham's proposal and I told him they would welcome his fantastic enthusiasm if he still feels like a coach," revealed the Inter chief.