Inter Milan sign Stankovic

Inter Milan confirmed the signing of midfielder Dejan Stankovic from Serie A rivals Lazio for a fee believed to be in the region of four million euros (4.95 million dollars).

As part of the deal, Lazio will also receive Inter's 20-year-old striker Goran Pandev - currently on loan at Ancona - in the summer.

After putting pen to paper on a contract which takes him up until June 2008, Stankovic said Saturday that he was relieved to finally make the switch to Inter, who have been chasing him for months.

"I thank Inter for their interest and belief in me," said the 25-year-old Serbia and Montenegro international, whose Lazio contract was due to end in the summer when he would have been able to leave for nothing.

"I have great respect for Lazio who gave me the chance to play at the highest level, but now I am starting a new adventure with a great club."

Stankovic will wear the number 11 shirt and could feature in Sunday's home match against Siena.

"If he is in good shape he could play straight away," Inter coach Alberto Zaccheroni said.

Lazio boss Roberto Mancini, who earlier in the week said he was hopeful of holding on to Stankovic, admitted the Rome club's cash problems forced the board to accept Inter's offer.

"Weve lost a great player," Mancini said. "I was convinced he would stay until the summer, but the decision was taken by the club.

"We must now just look to the future. Lazio remain a strong side and I'm convinced we can still finish in the top four and win the Italian Cup."

Stankovic spent six seasons with Lazio after joining them from Red Star Belgrade and played a key role in the club's 2000 Italian league title success.

Inter and Lazio are tied for fourth place in Serie A on 32 points from 18 matches played.

Leaders AC Milan, on 45 points, have a two-point cushion over Roma while Juventus are a further three points adrift.