Inter Open New Contract Talks With Mauro Icardi's Representatives After Stellar Season

​Mauro Icardi's representatives have opened talks with ​Inter to discuss a new contract for the Argentine striker at the San Siro.

Icardi's 29 goals for the Nerazzurri last season saw them return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign, and it meant that he was tied with Ciro Immobile at the top of the ​Serie A scoring charts.

It was reported earlier this month that ​Chelsea, ​Juventus and ​Real Madrid had been linked with a move for Icardi, and Madrid's sale of Cristiano Ronaldo made them the most likely destination for the 25-year-old.

​Calcio Mercato reports that Inter are attempting to nip any possible bid in the bud by offering Icardi a new contract which will increase his salary but, more crucially, renew his release clause.

A €110m release clause in his current contract has expired but it is expected that the new agreement will see that clause renewed and raised to reflect the increased importance of Icardi.

He will be rewarded for the most prolific season of his career to date with a wage increase to between €5m and €6m a year, and the new deal will extend Icardi's stay at the San Siro until 2023.

Despite his excellent 2017/18 season, Icardi was left out of Argentina's World Cup squad, a decision for which Jorge Sampaoli faced scathing criticism, particularly after La Albiceleste's last 16 defeat to France.

With Sampaoli gone, Icardi - who has appeared 4 times for the national team - will hope that he can return to the setup under the next manager.

Icardi made his international debut in 2013, shortly after joining Inter, but his second cap did not come until four years later.