Chelsea lifted as Mauro Icardi opens the door to possible Inter Milan exit

Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi would prefer a stay at the San Siro but is prepared to leave if his club are ready to cash in on him.

Icardi, 22, has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea in recent months while he also admitted it was an "honour" to be linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool.

Reports have suggested he has been identified as the possible next addition to manager Jose Mourinho's attacking contingent at Stamford Bridge.

For now, the Argentine striker remains an integral presence in manager Roberto Mancini's Inter side but an ongoing contract stand off has fuelled speculation of a possible move at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is reportedly on a deal worth £11,000 ($16,000) a week, something his suitors could comfortably improve should they ever be given the green light to hold talks with the player. But while Icardi admits he would "pack up and go away" if Inter wanted to sell, his preference is to stay where he is.

"If there are other clubs who want me, they should discuss this with Inter. If Inter decide to sell me, I'll pack up and go away," he said in an interview with CNN. "If they don't want to, I will stay in Milan where I am really good and I am happy. My family here feels like home."

The former Barcelona and Sampdoria forward also stressed he is open to signing a contract renewal at Inter but believes his performances over the past two seasons should prompt a revaluation of his current deal.

"Regarding my pay, my salary, that I don't 'earn a lot', these are things that are a result of two years ago when I came to Inter," he continued. "To me, it was a good contract. I signed the contract with the excitement and desire to prove my worth and be an important player for Inter.

"Now, after two years, I still have this contract that people are talking about but my agents are speaking to the club."