Inter Milan linked with Real Madrid's Portillo

Inter Milan are interested in Real Madrid wonder-kid Javier Portillo.

The Italian giants have considered the youngster as a replacement for the crocked Hernan Crespo.

Portillo has been the subject of loan bids from Benfica, Osasuna and Real Valladolid over the past fortnight.

Inter are close to sealing a deal for AS Roma's Gabriel Batistuta and are likely to take the Argentine over Portillo.