Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini heaped praise on Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, saying his side are still in the hunt to sign him during the summer transfer window.

The Nerazzurri were tipped as favourites to snap up the 23-year-old according to Italian reports but rivals AS Roma have lately emerged as strong contenders to lure him to the capital.

Inter are looking to strengthen their side after a poor season that saw the 18-times Italian champions finish eighth in the Serie A, failing to book a European spot.

"Salah can also play as a support man like he often did for Fiorentina," Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday.

However, Mancini admitted that signing Salah would be difficult, given the ongoing dispute between the player and Fiorentina.

Having arrived at Fiorentina from Premier League champions Chelsea on a six-month loan deal last Januaruy, Salah refused to extend his stay at the Viola after the latter decided to take up the option to keep him for a further year.

"Salah is half Fiorentina's and half Chelsea's," Mancini added.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho confirmed on Sunday that Salah will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge this season as he sees the pacy winger's future elsewhere.

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