Cruz nears exit from Inter Milan

Julio Cruz's agent has admitted that the Argentine striker is giving serious consideration to leaving Inter Milan.

The 34 year-old has been out of contention since the return to fitness of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and recently argued with coach Jose Mourinho for failing to follow instructions on the pitch.

With Cruz's contract set to expire in June 2009, the San Siro side will be keen to sell him in January when they can command a transfer fee.

“Over the last few days we have called various clubs to let them know about the situation,” Gustavo Ghezzi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Also because in these two weeks a few particular things have happened.”

However, Ghezzi said that it wouldn't alter the former Bologna hitman's attitude to Inter, for whom he has scored 75 goals in 181 appeaance.

That said both are aware that any new contract is likely to be Cruz's last in football, which raises the possibility he could run out his contract with Inter, so as to give himself the chance of one last bumper singing-on fee.

“It's not a problem (looking for a new club). Julio is a serious person and the directors know he wants what is best for Inter,” said Ghezzi.

“But the next contract will have to take into consideration these things and that in two years he could be leaving football.”

Another South American Inter striker who could also be on his way out of San Siro is Adriano.

The Brazilian has had a mixed return from a loan spell in Brazil, but has recently incurred the wrath of Mourinho and has not featured in the team since late October.

Now a missed training session has pushed tensions to breaking point, with Adriano claiming he had the flu, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I had the flu, what can I do? Stay at home.”