Inter Milan are already working hard on a deal for Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, seeking to beat any competition to his signature.

The Italian side are looking to provide manager Christian Chivu with a natural centre-back who meets specific criteria.

They want a player who is ‘proven’ and ready to contribute immediately. They do not have time for a player who is either a long-term project or someone who is past his prime.

The Italian champions also want that player to be available for a reasonable transfer fee and on a salary that fits within the current wage structure.

Inter Milan efforts

L’Interista report that the Crystal Palace defender falls into that bracket. One of the most appealing aspects is that his current deal expires in 2027.

That means the defender will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement from January 1^st. Inter Milan could secure him on a free transfer from that point. Or, at least, look for a low-cost deal to get him six months early.

That would certainly earn them the approval of Chivu. The Crystal Palace defender is highly regarded by the Inter Milan manager.

The outlet reports that he sees Richards as fitting the mould of a modern defender; he’s tall and strong in both man-marking and intercepting. Thus, the club’s management are already on the case.

Something in January

There has been interest from Italy since the summer too. Sport Witness reported comments from the Crystal Palace defender’s agents in October on the matter.

They insisted that Serie A side had already been sniffing around their client. Ultimately, nothing came of it though.

“Whoever wanted to change teams, did. We’ve had some inquiries from Serie A clubs about Chris Richards, the Crystal Palace defender,” Alan Redmond said last month.

Redmond also added that something could move in January, if not the summer.

“In his case, perhaps something could happen in January; we’ll see. As for the rest, it’s more likely that certain deals will be discussed again in the summer of 2027.”

That ‘something’ in January appears to be Inter Milan, who are already making moves to get Richards for Christian Chivu.