By Rob Dawson and Andrew Cesare Richardson
Manchester United are likely to reject Inter Milan’s opening bid for Romelu Lukaku, sources have told ESPN FC.
According to ESPN FC sources, the Nerazzurri have offered a two-year loan worth €10 million with the obligation to then sign the Belgium international for €60m.
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However, sources have told ESPN FC this offer will be rejected by United at this stage of the transfer window.
New Inter boss Antonio Conte has made Lukaku his top priority this summer, but first needs to offload Mauro Icardi. And the former Everton and Chelsea forward appears keen on working with the Conte, having recently labelled him the “best manager in the world.”
United have set a price for any Lukaku sale at a flat £80m, according to ESPN FC sources, and rejected the possibility of Icardi being included in any deal.
Lukaku moved to Old Trafford from Everton for £75m in 2017 and was an important member of the team under Jose Mourinho. But replacement Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preferred Marcus Rashford in attack and Lukaku found himself second choice.
Sources have told ESPN FC Lukaku is looking for a club which would offer him an integral role in the first team and has expressed a desire to play in Serie A. Despite bring open to leaving Old Trafford, Lukaku is not prepared to force an exit.
The 26-year-old has scored 42 goals in 96 games in two seasons at the club since leaving Goodison Park.