Chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has acknowledged that Inter Milan are having to play a waiting game with the future of Lautaro Martinez.

While the forward has three years remaining on his contract at San Siro, a release clause in the region of £98m has caught the attention of Barcelona.

Although it appears unlikely that the Catalan giants will be able to meet that figure in full before the cut-off date of July 7, Marotta admits that Inter must remain patience while the La Liga leaders make their decision.

Marotta is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "We want to strengthen the team structure of which Lautaro is an important element, young, very keen and from talent he is now becoming a true champion.

"This thanks to the work of [Antonio] Conte, of the club and himself. He has proven to have great football and professional skills. So much so as to recognise now that his path has not reached the peak yet and that he can still grow more with us.

"Inter does not want to sell, but to buy like big clubs do and we want to follow this line. There is a clause and it ends on July 7. We'll see what Barcelona want to do and then we will see what he wants. Today it is important that he is focused and ready to give his contribution for everyone's satisfaction."

Barcelona allegedly favour including at least one player in any proposal for the Argentina international.