Inter unmoved by defender Maicon's demands

Inter Milan have not given in to defender Maicon's demands for a pay increase, claiming that they have not ''undervalued'' their star.

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Maicon scores against the United States at the Confederations Cup in South Africa

The Brazilian right-back, who has been linked with Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea this summer, claims he has been undervalued by Inter but club president Massimo Moratti feels otherwise.

"We consider Maicon for the value that he has," Moratti said. "We have not undervalued him."

And Maicon's agent has reassured Inter fans that the defender will remain at the San Siro. Antonio Caliendo said: "There are no meetings scheduled (with Inter) so far.

"I reiterate that Maicon will not leave Inter. I believe in respecting a contract and the fans have nothing to fear.''

Maicon is back home in South America after helping Brazil win the Confederations Cup. He shone for Jose Mourinho's Inter as the Nerazzurri clinched a fourth straight Serie A title this year and recovered from a thigh injury to join his national team in South Africa.

"I was convinced he would have won the award for best player of the Confederations Cup, considering he was coming from an injury," said Moratti. "But I'm glad Kaka won it because he's a good lad."

Moratti is not surprised by the strong interest shown by top European clubs in the 27-year-old Maicon.

"It wasn't difficult to predict that Maicon would become the strongest right-back in the world," he said. "We have seen this for the last three years and his merit has contributed to our success. His demands? These are issues for the club.

"Am I worried about Inter? Why would I? We are strong and all of our players have remained in the team.

"In fact, we have reinforced ourselves with the likes of Diego Milito and Thiago Motta."

Maicon joined Inter in the summer of 2006 from Monaco and is under contract at the San Siro for a further four seasons.