Inter Milan are interested in signing Italian striker Alberto Gilardino from Parma, club owner Massimo Moratti said.

"We're interested in Gilardino and we've been talking (with Parma) for a while," Moratti was quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday.

"To tell the truth, we don't need to reinforce our attack, but we're talking about a very talented player that Inter has a right to bid for."

Inter are the latest big side to join the race to secure the services of the 22-year-old next season.

City rivals AC Milan have openly expressed an interest in Gilardino, whose contract with Parma runs until 2008, but baulked at the initial 35 million euro (42.3 million US dollars) asking price.

English Premier League champions Chelsea are also rumoured to be following the striker.

Gilardino was the most prolific Italian striker in Serie A during the last two seasons, scoring 46 goals in 72 games.

Editor: Donald