Tevez not close to Inter Milan

Inter Milan director Marco Branca has insisted he met Carlos Tevez in Sardinia by chance and that the club has made no moves to sign him.

Speculation that Manchester City's wantaway forward could be heading to the San Siro grew after Branca was pictured shaking hands with Tevez earlier this month.

Tevez was on holiday in Sardinia with his family after playing in the Copa America, soon after the collapse of his proposed move to Corinthians, and it was reported Inter were ready to make their move.

But speaking today at a press conference to introduce Jonathan, Branca dismissed the idea.

"There was only one meeting, and it was entirely fortuitous and enjoyable," he said.

"But it happened on the beach and was not followed up."

Branca welcomed Jonathan to Inter after the Brazilian full-back completed his move from Santos.

The 25-year-old will face a battle to break into the Inter team ahead of Maicon, but Branca said he was an important addition.

"The decision to bring Jonathan here shows our desire to be as competitive as possible through the large number of games a season brings," he said.