ROMA DESPERATE TO KEEP MONTELLA
Inter, who are expected to finally mount some kind of challenge for trophies next season following the arrival of Hector Cuper, already have a wealth of top-class strikers on their books but, if reports of interest in Montella are correct, they could be ready to sell record signing Christian Vieri.
With Ronaldo recovering from injury and likely to make a playing return next season, and the likes of Hakan Sukur, mercurial Alvaro Recoba and Vieri at the club, Inter do appear to already have strength in depth.
However, rumours that a major push for Montella is set to be launched by president Massimo Moratti abound, and this could have widespread repercussions on several top clubs.
Roma have already insisted that Montella will remain to continue the fine displays that he put in through the second half of the season.
"Montella has already a deal until 2004 with us," said Roma president Franco Sensi. "What do I have to do to underline that he will play with us next season?"
Much of the rumours appear to have stemmed from the very public on-field bust-up between Montella and Capello in the 2-2 draw against Napoli on June 10.
A furious Montella, unhappy with only being brought on late as a substitute, kicked a bottle at the larger than life coach as he stalked from the pitch and then gestured as he turned his back.
However, the club were quick to play down rumours of a rift, and are keen to hang onto a player that many believe gave the Romans the impetus to keep in front of Scudetto rivals Juventus.
Montella, who turned 28 on Monday ended the season with a massively impressive 12 goals in his 27 league appearances - with the majority of his strikes coming in the latter half of the season.
The Italian international proved his worth to his club when he responded emphatically to calls for him to fulfil his potential, when injury robbed the giallorossi of their influential Argentinian Gabriel Batistuta.
Montella has amassed some 132 goals in his 220 career games, and it comes as little surprise that Roma are desperate to keep hold of their mercurial genius.
