By DAN KARELL

Inter Milan may have to part with one of their prized assets this summer to achieve their transfer war chest.

Manager Roberto Mancini has already identified a number of summer signings, including chasing Manchester City’s Yaya Toure, Torino defender Matteo Darmian, Marseille forward Andre-Pierre Gignac, and AS Monaco midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, among others according to Gazzetta Dello Sport. But due to Financial Fair Play regulations and Inter’s reported debt of €180 million, they’re likely going to have to have an even balance sheet at the end of the transfer window.

In order to afford the numerous players Mancini has his eye on, Inter may be forced to sell Argentine forward Mauro Icardi. Gazzetta reports that Icardi is worth €40 million and despite reports recently that Inter are looking to sign Icardi to an extension, his sale could pave the way for some of the new signings to come in.

Losing Icardi would be a huge loss for the team though. He’s currently second in Serie A in scoring with 14 goals in 21 games, and he’s scored five other goals in cup competitions.

Inter are currently in ninth place in Serie A, and perhaps crucially, they’re seven points behind the final Europa League qualification place in the standings.

Here are some more stories to kick off your Thursday:

2014 COPA LIBERTADORES CHAMPIONS FALL AT HOME

Last season’s Copa Libertadores champions are in a whole host of trouble, after dropping their first game at home in this year’s competition.

Visiting Corinthians of Brazil defeated San Lorenzo, 1-0, on a moment of brilliance from midfielder Elias, in the second match-day of the Copa Libertadores group stages. The match was played in front of an empty stadium due to San Lorenzo fans lighting fireworks during the home leg of their 2-1 aggregate victory in the 2014 Copa Libertodres finals.

In the 66th minute, Elias controlled a goal kick with his leg and turned towards goal at the midfield stripe. Elias evaded a defender as he sprinted forward and tried to play a pass through to Danilo in the box. However, the ball bounced off San Lorenzo defender Mauro Cetto and fell right to Elias, who smashed home with his right foot.

Elsewhere in Copa Libertadores action, Chilean power Colo Colo defeated Mexican club Atlas, 2-0, behind two goals from Esteban Paredes, and Brazilian side Internacional SC topped Emelec of Ecuador, 3-2, in an exciting match.

EVANS, CISSE COULD BE BANNED IF FOUND GUILTY OF “SPITTING” 

Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle has been overshadowed by a controversial moment during the first half of the match, when it appeared that Man United defender Jonny Evans spit at Newcastle forward Papiss Cisse.

As Cisse got up from the ground, some spit was seen flying out from Evans mouth in the direction of Cisse, according to video replays of the incident, and Cisse didn’t take too kindly to the incident. In response, Cisse spit back at Evans.

The repercussions for this event could be harsh, according to multiple reports in England. Either or both Evans or Cisse could face six-match bans for the offense. Last season, George Boyd of Hull City was given a three-match ban for spitting at Manchester City’s Joe Hart, but the punishments have been doubled for this season.

The FA will decide on potential charges when they receive the match report from referee Anthony Taylor.

QUICK KICKS

Swansea City forward Bafetimbi Gomis is reportedly “feeling well” after fainting during a match against Tottenham. (REPORT)

Club America cruised into the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League with a 2-0 home victory over Deportivo Saprissa. (REPORT)

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric returned to full training for the first time since tearing his hamstring last November. (REPORT)

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in Paraguay U-20 and Cerro Porteño budding star Sergio Diaz, who is just 16-years old. (REPORT)

Veteran Bosnian manager Vahid Halilhodzic is set to become the next head coach of the Japan National Team. (REPORT)

West Ham have extended the contract of defender Winston Reid for another six and a half years. (REPORT)

————

What do you think of these reports? Do you see Inter selling Icardi to make way for new signings? What did you think of Corinthians’ victory? What do you see happening to either Evans or Cisse?

Share your thoughts below.