Inter have moved quickly to rubbish rumours that right-back Maicon is unhappy at the club.

Last week, reports suggested that Manchester City were ready to top any bid from rivals Manchester United by offering in excess of £20m for the Brazilian, who was said to be looking for wages in the region of £90,000-a-week.

But the Serie A giants have made efforts to dismiss the possibility of the 28-year-old fullback moving on, or indeed of any rift.

A club statement read: “With regards to the quotes in the newspapers – quotes which Caliendo himself later denied – Inter technical director Marco Branca confirms the utmost conviction and satisfaction with Maicon’s contract.

“That satisfaction is mutual, both for the club and the player himself. It is understandable during the break for international duty that transfer theories can find space in the media, but the situation described in the newspapers simply does not exist.”

The player’s representative, Antonio Caliendo, had previously hinted that the defender may be open to a move away from the San Siro.

“Manchester? If they make an offer, and Massimo Moratti wants to evaluate it, then we will be prepared to sit with him to discuss the options,” Caliendo told Sky.

“The choice is his though.”

He went on to suggest that Manchester United have been following Maicon for some time, while Manchester City have also been linked with the in-form star since the summer and are hoping to display their financial power against the finest clubs in Europe.

Dan White, Football Italiano