Massimo Plans Mass Exodus

It is a well-known fact that, in football, too many players means not every player can keep happy; and just one unsettled player can ruin morale and any run of form. And now, it seems, Inter president Massimo Moratti has answered Jose Mourinho’s plea for a largely scaled-down squad. But who could be on their way out?

Inter have always had trouble with the age of the squad, with a large number of players seemingly coming to the San Siro when the peak of their carear has come and gone. But Mourinho has never been like that, and will look to bring down the average age of the ever increasing squad. So, the aging players I expect the club to be looking to offload are:

Olivier Dacourt

Age: 34

Position: Defensive Midfield

Interested Clubs: Tottenham, Newcastle, Bologna

At 34, although he may be considered young by many Italian clubs, Dacourt seems to have no future at Inter, which is reflected by his one substitute appearence this season. His representatives have reportedly been in contact with the two English clubs listed above, and, after short stints with both Everton and Leeds, the Frenchman should know English football. But although he will know the English game, he is maybe too old to keep up with it. With strong connections with the Bologna manager, though, that is the destination I would put my money on.

Patrick Vieira

Age: 32

Position: Midfield

Interested Clubs: Portsmouth

The ex-Arsenal hard man has been injury-plagued since joining the Nezzuri, and that is why he has played very few games this season. It would make sense for him to be on his way out, as he obviously demands huge wages; which is money down the drain when he is not available. Portsmouth have declared their interest in a possible loan deal, as wages may prevent any deal going through on a permenant basis. But, having played with Tony Adams, you would think Portsmouth would be the one club he would consider a wage drop to play for.

Hernan Crespo

Age: 33

Position: Striker

Interested Clubs: Tottenham

He has only made nine appearences this season, and has seemingly slipped a long way down the pecking order. He is beleived to be one of the players Harry Redknapp was looking at during his trip to the San Siro, but no deal has materialised. He is past his prime, and could be offloaded this window.

Marco Materazzi

Age: 35

Position: Centre-back

Interested Clubs: Tottenham, Manchester City, Portsmouth

Another player plagued by injury this season, Materazzi has made just five league appearences so far this season. He was regarded by many as an under-rated player; until the 2006 World Cup when, in the absence of Nesta, he stepped in and proved a pivital part of Itlay’s competition win. He could well prove a good signing for any Premier LEague club, but couldn’t manage 40 games a season.

These are just the aging players that could be on their way out of Inter this window, and players such as Adriano and Nicolas Burdisso have also been linked with exits.