Javier Zanetti is hopeful Inter's rebuilding mission under Roberto Mancini can begin with the signing of Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.
The Ivorian has been strongly linked with a move away from City, with Inter and his former manager Mancini reported to be at the front of the queue.
Inter have struggled this season and could miss out on a place in Europe next season, but Zanetti has his eye on Toure and Paris Saint Germain midfielder Thiago Motta - who left San Siro in 2012 - to help lift the club back up the Serie A table.
"Yaya? We are at the stage where we hope that we can finalise a deal, he would help us make a step up in quality," Zanetti said.
"If Thiago [Motta] was to arrive he would give us a lot and know the surroundings.
"He has experience and quality - he’s one of the strongest midfielders I've ever played with.
"He is very intelligent, he understands how to run a game and at times when you are in trouble he can take the ball and manage the situation.
"Bringing in players like these would mark a step up in quality."
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