The website "Calcio Mercato" revealed that French midfielder Manu Kone was very close to transferring to Inter Milan during the recent transfer window, before the deal suddenly stopped at the last moment.

According to the site, Roma's management gave Inter the green light to start negotiations with the player, and all indicators pointed to an imminent agreement. However, significant pressure from fans in the Italian capital caused the club to backtrack on its decision, especially with fears of losing one of the team's key midfield players.

Coach Cristian Kivu at Inter saw Kone as an ideal deal to strengthen the midfield and provide new tactical flexibility in his formation. However, Roma clung to the player despite their financial needs.

The same source clarified that Inter Milan had to back out of the deal after realizing the difficulty of the situation, later shifting their interest to Lens player Diouf, who was officially signed.

Despite the end of negotiations, reports indicate that the possibility of Inter returning to try to acquire Kone in the future is not ruled out, especially if Roma decides to sell one of its stars in the upcoming transfer market.

It is worth mentioning that the two teams, Roma and Inter Milan, will meet tonight in the top match of the seventh round of the Italian league at the Olimpico Stadium.