Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Juventus from Real Madrid for a £88million after nine years at the Bernabeau.

But now Inter are said to be plotting an audacious swoop for his fierce rival, according to interesting comments made by Pirelli CEO - and Inter fan - Marco Tronchetti Provera.

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The quotes led to a front page story for Tuttosport on Tuesday as Tronchetti Provera suggested Suning, the club's owners, want to make a 'huge signing'.

'I hope that Suning, once Financial Fair Play will allow it, can make a huge signing,' said the CEO.

'Messi? How can you say no to Messi?'

Now back in the Champions League, Inter are building towards a serious assault on titles both domestically and in European competition and Messi would provide a huge boost in belief.

With both players approaching the tail end of their careers, there may be a temptation for the Argentine to try his hand outside of Spain.

Having lost Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain last summer for a world record deal, Barcelona will have no desires to sell their biggest star and asset and that is the biggest obstacle for the Italian side.