Marin has a fan in Benitez

Marin: Quality component

Inter Milan coach Rafa Benitez has admitted he is an admirer of Werder Bremen's Marko Marin ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday.

"He is a good player, a quality component"
Rafael Benitez Quotes of the week

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has reportedly been on the Nerazzurri's radar for some time, with the Italian giants considering a future alternative to the coveted Wesley Sneijder.

Benitez, though, insists he is happy with his current playmaker, who caught the eye in the competition last season.

Quality

But when asked in Tuesday's press conference of the reports linking Inter with Marin, the Spaniard responded: "He is a good player, a quality component.

"But we have Sneijder in his position. And at the moment I prefer him."

Werder Bremen manager Thomas Schaaf refused to rule out a future for Marin in Serie A after admitting the Germany international has the qualities to play in any of Europe's top leagues.

"He has the qualities to play in the Bundesliga and for the national team," said Schaaf of Marin, who scored in Bremen's 2-2 draw with Tottenham last time out in Europe.

"I don't see why he couldn't also play in Italy. We'll see in the future."