Inter beat AC Milan to Kondogbia

Inter Milan are set to beat city rivals AC Milan and a number of top European clubs to the signature of Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to reports in Italy.

Kondogbia has been linked with a move to Manchester City, Real Madrid, Inter and Juventus after showcasing his talents last season when Monaco reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Reports in Italy in recent days have centred on Inter and Milan’s battle to sign the 22-year-old former Sevilla player, who has represented France at every level since under-16.

But La Gazzetta dello Sport said on Saturday Inter had won the race after their sporting directors thrashed out a deal with Monaco in Monte Carlo.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini also called the player in a bid to convince him to sign for the Nerazzurri.

The report said Kondogbia will sign a five-year deal and earn four million euros ($4.5m, £2.9m) a season plus bonuses.

Monaco will receive 35 million euros plus three million in bonuses for the marauding midfielder, who has been compared to former Arsenal, Milan, Juventus, Inter and France man Patrick Vieira.