Inter confident of signing Romelu Lukaku as Man Utd’s Paulo Dybala pursuit ‘collapses’
Inter Milan are hopeful of signing Romelu Lukaku after Paulo Dybala’s proposed switch to Manchester United was called off after a disagreement over his wages.
Dybala had been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford that would have involved Lukaku, who Inter have been following all summer, going the other way to Juventus.
United’s ‘Italian Job’: Five things to know…
- Man Utd have been in talks with both Juve and Inter this summer.
- Inter wanted Lukaku, but couldn’t afford him.
- Lukaku then was suggested in a swap deal for Dybala.
- This deal has subsequently been called off.
- Inter boss Conte is subsequently hopeful of landing the Belgian marksman.
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United had made their interest in Dybala very public and it appeared the 25-year-old would be heading to Manchester after talks between the Red Devils and Juve progressed nicely. However, doubts over Dybala’s desire to play for United combined with his huge wage demands have meant that Solskjaer and co. have decided to pull the plug on the deal.
Dybala impressed during his first season with the Old Lady but stuttered last year following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and frequently found himself on the bench. United had been touted as a potential destination, but it now appears the Argentine will stay and fight for his place under Maurizio Sarri.
This has suddenly re-opened the door for Inter, who have been keeping tabs on Lukaku all summer, with the Belgian international even hinting of lining up with Nerazzurri boss Antonio Conte.
Conte previously as manager of Chelsea tried to sign Lukaku from Everton, but he opted for United instead of returning to Stamford Bridge, but the Italian tactician is hopeful of finally getting his man following Juve walking away.
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“We continue to work on it in the best possible way,” he told reporters.
“I understand there are some gaps that need to be filled, but at the moment I am very hopeful that this will happen. At the same time, I’m working with a great group of players that gives me lots of satisfaction.
“Honestly I can’t know, I don’t know. I’m reading about this swap in the papers. For sure Lukaku, we are talking about a good player, a striker that in the past I tried to buy when I was Chelsea’s coach.
“We’re talking about two big clubs, Juventus and Inter Milan, but honestly, I don’t know. Everyone said it was done for Lukaku to Inter two weeks ago, now they say it’s done with Juventus… The fact is, if you don’t have the agreements between player and club, nothing will be done. So let’s see what happens.”
United miss out on star forward
Solskjaer has been given major funds to rebuild his squad this summer and has certainly put that to good use.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire have all arrived at Old Trafford for a combined £140 million and it appears their business isn’t done yet.
The Red Devils lack a truly world-class centre-forward: Lukaku’s output has been impressive and he was their top scorer last season but there are doubts over his link-up play, which have led to the club being open to offers for the Belgian striker.
United have been linked with Dybala, Mandzukic, Mauro Icardi and even Antoine Griezmann this summer as the club search for the attacker who can fire them into the Champions League. Mandzukic appears to be the man most likely to arrive, but work is still to be done if that deal is to get over the line in time.
