Reports: Inter Reject Duncan Bid, Explore Other Options

Reports coming from today's Italian press are roundly suggesting that Sunderland midfielder target, Alfred Duncan, is available for transfer -- although Sunderland have seen a bid rejected.

Newspaper Tuttosport claims that Paolo Di Canio is very keen indeed on the Ghanaian midfield powerhouse, and that the club have offered the sum of 8m EUR for Duncan, which has been dismissed out of hand.

Inter however are looking to offload some players amidst reports that Brazilian midfielder Paulinho is on his way to the Nerazzuri for a hefty fee, and Massimo Moratti is looking to make back some of the outlay through the sales of fringe players such as Duncan.

Such is his talent though Tuttosport suggest that Inter aren't particularly open to letting him leave on the cheap, or even entirely. The paper claims that the club are exploring co-ownership options for the in-demand player.

The name in the frame seems to be newly promotes U.S. Sassulo, who won Serie B last season. The claim is that if an offer comes in the region of 3.5m EUR for a co-ownership option, he could be theirs.

It makes watching the deal that little more exciting as Sunderland look to upgrade over the likes of Lee Cattermole and David Vaughan in the central midfield position, however as the price rises and Inter having a reluctance to sell outright, perhaps a loan move would be a good option, with Sunderland paying a more reasonable fee?

Certainly something to ponder, and a deal to keep an eye on.