Thohir plays down Inter takeover claims

Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir has confirmed he is in talks with Inter president Massimo Moratti about investing in the Nerazzurri - but laughed off reports he is set to purchase an 80 percent controlling stake in the club.

Jakarta-born Thohir, who co-owns MLS outift D.C United, was reportedly closing in on a deal to buy the Italian giants after meeting with Moratti and his son, Angelo Mario, in Milan on Thursday.

The 43-year-old was also said to be keen on hiring former Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo after the Brazilian quit his post with the French champions earlier this month.  However, the media-mogul was tight-lipped on how advanced negotiations were with the Moratti family, while also denying Leonardo's proposed involvement in the venture.

He told Sky Sport Italia: "I have the greatest respect for the Moratti family, an important family, and at this point in time I don’t want to reveal anything about the talks."

"I’m hopeful. But what I can say is that we are not talking about an 80 percent share of the club, absolutely not. Furthermore, I would not allow myself to present a list of directors to be brought into the club. I heard rumors of Leonardo, but that is not true.

"I also don’t want to interfere with transfer market choices."

Earlier this summer Moratti - who has been charge at San Siro since 1995 - refuted reports he would be willing to sell his stake in the club.