The 28-year-old was a pivotal member of the Nerazzurri's Coppa Italia, Champions League and Serie A treble-winning campaign last term and new Madrid coach Jose Mourinho would relish having his former player at the Bernabeu.

But Maicon's agent Antonio Caliendo is not happy with Inter's handling of the situation.

"We expect an apology from the club (Inter) for putting Maicon on the market without informing us," said Caliendo to Sky Italia.

"Maicon has a contract with Inter and that is the reality.

"We will await the player's return from his holidays and I believe many aspects will be clarified.

"We don't know anything about those negotiations (between Real Madrid and Inter).

"But they are discussing his transfer without his consent.

"I don't know if that is the right way to treat a champion like him (Maicon).

"The player only wants one thing and that is to be respected."

Spanish sports newspaper Marca claimed today Madrid have stepped up their efforts to acquire the South American.

The capital club have reportedly offered 28 million euros for Maicon after Inter apparently turned down a bid of 22 million euros earlier this week.

However, Caliendo has no knowledge of the Primera Division club's latest supposed offer.

"I don't know anything about Real Madrid's ultimatum," he said.

Madrid are not the only ones to have shown an interest in Maicon this summer, according to the agent.

"Manchester City? It was the first team that expressed an interest in him," said Caliendo.

"(City manager Roberto) Mancini, just like Mourinho, is a big admirer of the player.

"If all his former coaches are so keen on him there must be a reason.

"But I reiterate that at this point, there is a high probability that he will remain at Inter."

Maicon is under contract with Inter for another three seasons but coach Rafael Benitez believes he will have a strong team next season no matter what happens regarding Maicon.

"We will wait and see what happens," said Benitez to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We will not act instinctively or be rushed.

"The club decides the transfer market and I will adapt to it.

"A player is not a team and Inter has strong players."

Meanwhile, Inter have signed centre-half Andrea Ranocchia from Genoa on a five-year contract.

However, Genoa will hold half of Ranocchia's sporting rights and the 22-year-old will not play for Benitez next season as he will be loaned back to Genoa for a year.

A statement from Inter read: "Ranocchia will be under contract at Inter until June 30, 2015. Inter and Genoa have agreed that Andrea will remain at the Liguria club for the 2010-11 season."

Ranocchia spent the last two seasons on loan at Bari.