Speaking at the Golden Foot awards in Monte Carlo Monday night, honorary president of the German giants Franz Beckenbauer, dropped the strongest hint yet that his player’s future may lie in the peninsula.

The Kaiser told La Gazzetta dello Sport that: “people say that Bastian is untouchable but that is not true.

"In regard to a move to Inter, I think it would be good for the player to experience football in Italy so at the moment, who knows”.

Beckenbauer was also asked if he thought this Inter side under Rafael Benitez would be good enough to retain the Champions League, he replied: “I was at the San Siro to watch the match against Werder Bremen.

"I have watched the same squad that won the trophy last season therefore I would say they are one of the favourites”.