Inter Milan are being forced to look elsewhere for a trequartista after being rejected by Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
Sneijder insists he is staying at Real, despite Inter having a bid for the Dutchman accepted last week.
Now, Inter are seeking alternatives, with Roma attacking midfielder Julio Baptista emerging as a top target, says Tuttosport.
The Brazilian is rated highly by Inter president Massimo Moratti, though coach Jose Mourinho is not sure.
Lazio striker Goran Pandev is also under consideration, though Mourinho will not consider parting with Marco Materazzi in any swap deal for the Macedonia international.