Inter president Massimo Moratti has denied reports in Italy that he is trying to lure Francesco Totti away from Roma.

Totti is a lifelong Roma supporter and it is his affection for his hometown club that convinced Moratti that any bid would be futile.

“Totti is loved in Rome and I have a great deal of respect for their fans,” Moratti told the Corriere dello Sport.

“I wouldn’t want to take him away from them.”

Meanwhile, Inter have signed Chilean teenager Mauricio Pinilla for around £1.9m.

Pinilla was recommended by former Chile and Inter striker Ivan Zamorano.

“I have a good rapport with Moratti and I believe he has made a very good signing,’ said Zamorano.

“Mauricio has a big future ahead of him.”