Updated

Inter Milan attacker Mauro Icardi claims Real Madrid tried to lure him to La Liga earlier this summer.

Rafa Benitez's side are in the market for a new striker following the return of Javier Hernandez to Manchester United after his loan spell and Icardi says that he was their target.

The 22-year-old Argentina international netted 22 times in 36 appearances in 2014-15 to finish top of the Serie A goalscoring charts, thus drawing Madrid's attention.

Nevertheless, Icardi has made it clear that he is happy at Inter and therefore rejected the chance to move to the Spanish capital in favour of a new deal with the Nerazzurri.

"Real Madrid tried to sign me," he told AS, "but I am happy to have signed a new deal with Inter.

"We want to return to the Champions League next season."

Icardi came through the ranks of the Barcelona youth academy but left the Catalans for Sampdoria before breaking into the first team. He joined Inter in 2013.

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