Inter Milan chief executive Beppe Marotta has revealed duo Mauro Icardi and Radja Nainggolan are not part of the club's plans for the coming season, amid speculation linking both players with moves to Manchester United.
The Nerazzurri are interested in United striker Romelu Lukaku and have also recently been linked with midfielder Nemanja Matic as new boss Antonio Conte looks to bring the club back to European football's top table.
Part of his plans, it has been revealed, is to sell striker Icardi and midfield workhorse Nainggolan, both of whom have been touted for possible switches to United as part of potential swap deals with Lukaku or Matic.
“When building a project, you have to find the right profiles,” Marotta told Sky Sports Italia.
“We had the opportunity to speak to the players themselves, with full respect for their contractual situations, but explained the position of the club, which I think is the most important thing.
“Both players know full well they are not part of our plans. That doesn’t mean we doubt their talent or capabilities, as I consider them to be two excellent players.
“Talent can win you games, but the squad wins you the league, which is the main objective we are setting out for. They are not part of our project, with all due respect.”
United are not understood to hold a specific interest in either player, as they concentrate on clinching deals for Newcastle's Sean Longstaff and Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes, following the arrivals of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer flies out to Australia with his squad for the first leg of their pre-season tour on Sunday.
