Internazionale are stepping up their pursuit of Cruzeiro defender Mayke, according to reports.
Journalist Alfredo Pedulla, as cited by website Sempre Inter, claims that the Nerazzurri sent scouts to watch Mayke play in Cruzeiro’s Copa Libertadores de América quarter-final first leg against River Plate.
The Brazilian outfit won the contest 1-0, thanks to a goal from Marquinhos, and it is believed that the Inter representatives were impressed with what they witnessed from Mayke.
Pedulla claims that the 22 year-old is valued at around €7-8 million, but with his contract expiring in December 2016, Inter may look to push that price down.
A potential stumbling block for any move however, could be Mayke’s status as a non-EU player. It is believed that Inter are looking at River Plate defender Emanuel Mammana to fill their final non-EU spot, which could complicate their pursuit of Mayke.
In theory they could buy both and then loan one out for the 2015/16 season, though whether they would want to invest heavily in a player that they cannot immediately use is unclear.
Mayke has been a regular with Cruzeiro over recent seasons and has provided 16 assists in just 63 appearances.
This term, he has so far featured in nine matches across the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores de América.