Inter interested in signing Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba

Inter are lining up a move for Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba this summer.

The Nerazzurri look weak at left-back following the departure of Ashley Young to Aston Villa last week. This leaves 35-year-old Alexander Kolarov as the only natural, left-sided defender in the squad - and his contract is set to expire at the end of the month.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Inter are eyeing Alba as the answer to their left-back woes. Their interest in the Barcelona man comes 12 months after they failed to sign his understudy, Junior Firpo.

The Brazilian was supposed to be used as makeweight in a deal that would have brought Lautaro Martinez to the Camp Nou, but negotiations eventually collapsed. Now, Inter have turned their sights to the more experienced Alba.

The defender has enjoyed a terrific Barça career since signing from Valencia back in 2012. He has made close to 400 appearances for the club and won a host of honours, including five La Liga titles and a Champions League.

Alba remains a key part of the team as well, missing just three league games last term. Despite this, president Juan Laporta has indicated that aside from Lionel Messi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and a select few others, every member of the squad is available for the right price in the summer.

If Alba does make a move to Inter, he will become their second signing of the window. Hakan Calhanoglu will be arriving on a free transfer from rivals Milan at the end of the month, after turning down the chance to stay at the Rossoneri.

Inter's activity in the transfer market is surprising, considering the dire financial straits they found themselves in at the end of the season. Scudetto winning manager Antonio Conte departed due to the off-field certainty - being replaced by Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi - and the club still has to impose a 20% wage reduction, as well as potentially sell some key players.