Inter Milan chief Giuseppe Marotta says the Serie A club must be "patient" in the transfer market after being asked about Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku .
Lukaku has been heavily tipped for move to Inter this summer after struggling for consistency since his move to Old Trafford.
The striker was on the plane as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United squad headed to Perth on Sunday for their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East.
But the 26-year-old is believed to be one of Inter manager Antonio Conte's top transfer targets - although club CEO Marotta stressed that Inter must proceed with caution as they attempt to navigate Financial Fair Play rules.
The club have put striker Mauro Icardi and Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan up for sale.
"‘The transfer market is a work in progress. We are working hard to get the best squad possible for the new season," said Marotta when asked about Lukaku, in quotes reported by Metro .
"We are ambitious and want the best team possible. We also must find ways to respect all financial perimeters too. We cannot rush things because that can lead to mistakes. We have clear ideas but we need to be patient. We have important goals and transfer targets in mind."
Icardi has been linked with Juventus , while there has also been talk of a part-exchange deal with United. Nainggolan is reportedly a target for Torino.
Askd about the two, Marotta said: "Nainggolan and Icardi? We need clarity and transparency. They’re great players and talent, but it’s not enough. They are not part of our project, I say this with transparency and respect. Icardi is on the market. But we respect the contractual agreements."
Romelu Lukaku's agent Federico Pastorello last week described his client's potential move to Inter Milan as a 'difficult dream' and urged the Italians to step up their interest in the wantaway striker.
United want to recoup the £75million they paid Everton for Lukaku, who has also been linked with Juventus .
