Inter to sign Romario on short-term deal

Brazil striker Romario has agreed to join Internazionale until the end of the season, according to reports in South America. The 34-year-old will complete the move next week when the Serie A transfer window opens.

Inter president Massimo Moratti has been keen to bring the veteran World Cup winner to Italy after watching his side struggle to score goals all season.

And it was reported on radio station Brasileira de Noticias on Saturday morning that a deal has already been struck between Moratti and the player.

Despite turning 35 next month, Romario has continued to score goals at an astonishing rate, finding the net an incredible 73 times in 74 matches for Vasco de Gama and Brazil during 2000.

Romario – full name Romario de Souza Faria – has been interested in joining Inter for several weeks but coach Marco Tardelli denied any move for the hot-headed star was imminent. Tardelli is understood to fear that Romario will prove an unsettling influence in the dressing room.

But the player has just won the Brazilian equivalent of the Uefa Cup, the Mercosur Cup, and is on the verge of winning the Joao Havelange Cup – the Brazilian title.

As well as Serie A, the former PSV and Barcelona striker would be available to play in the Uefa Cup, in which the Milan giants have made it through to the fourth round.

And Moratti is keen on seeing the dream attacking threesome of Alvaro Recoba, Christian Vieri and Romario take the field – with Pacheco, the newly-signed 24-year-old Uruguay international, ready to deputise.

According to Brasileira de Noticias, Inter representatives are expected in Rio de Janeiro next week to conclude the signing.