Wanda Nara denies putting Real Madrid off Icardi bid

As speculation persists over Mauro Icardi's future, his wife and agent says it is not true Real Madrid does not wish to negotiate with her.

Wanda Nara (R) is Mauro Icardi's outspoken wife and agent.

Wanda Nara has denied suggestions that Real Madrid has not bid for Mauro Icardi because the club was put off negotiations due to her behaviour.

Icardi's future at Inter Milan is looking increasingly bleak, with the striker having been left out of its last five matchday squads after being stripped of the captaincy last month.

The Argentina international posted a lengthy statement on Instagram this week in which he accused Inter's decision-makers of a lack of respect, although he underlined his love for the club and claimed he has rejected several significant offers in the past.

READ | Lautaro Martinez: It's up to Icardi to resolve problems

Despite his affection for the Nerazzurri, it appears likely that the club will sell the striker in the next transfer window, having been unable to reach an agreement over a new contract.

Madrid has long been linked with a bid for the 26-year-old but, according to Marca , it was put off entering into talks last January as they did not want to deal with Nara, Icardi's outspoken wife and agent.

However, when the same Spanish newspaper asked her about that report, Nara said: "That Mauro hasn't gone to Madrid because of me, as has been said in Spain, is false and we have a lot of respect for Real Madrid."

Icardi, who joined Inter from Sampdoria in 2013, is said to have been in discussions over a contract extension for much of the last year.

He has two and a half years left on the deal he signed in October 2016, which reportedly contains a relatively low release clause of €110 million.

Icardi has scored 15 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season but has not played since the 1-0 Serie A win over Parma on February 9.

He complained of knee pain after missing the Europa League win at Rapid Vienna, when head coach Luciano Spalletti said Icardi had withdrawn from the squad himself, but Inter issued a statement to say medical tests could not identify any specific problem.

In Icardi's absence, Inter was beaten 2-1 by Cagliari on Friday.