Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that "anything can happen" after reports linked the club with a loan move for Italian international Andrea Pirlo.

The 36-year-old left Juventus for New York City FC in the summer, and reports in Italy suggested that the former Nerazzurri player could rejoin the club on loan for the MLS off-season.

Mancini has insisted that Pirlo would interest a number of Serie A sides, should the midfielder decide to keep up his fitness rather than take a rest.

The 50-year-old told the club's website: "I've not spoken to him, but anything can happen in football.

"MLS is over for the season so maybe he wants to rest, but I'm sure clubs will be interested if he fancies a return to Italy because he's a fantastic player.

"He's a champion - not your average player. He has amazing technique and reads the game quicker than most other players."

Inter Milan face Torino in their next Serie A fixture as they look to go top of the league by winning in Turin.