Romelu Lukaku claims his future could be resolved in the next seven days after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to confirm the striker would still be a Manchester United player at the start of next season.
Inter Milan opened talks over a move for the Belgium international this week – but have so far failed to come up with a formal offer.
Yet news today that Mauro Icardi has left the Italians’ pre-season training camp in Lugano has raised hope they are on the verge of securing the funds to make a serious bid for the wantaway forward.
Icardi is believed to be a target for Juventus – and his departure was seen as pivotal to Inter being able to afford a move for Lukaku.
United are adamant they will only accept a full cash payment in excess of the £75m they paid for Lukaku two years ago, despite Inter hoping to structure a deal involving a loan or players in exchange.
The 26-year-old sat out the 2-0 win against Perth Glory on Saturday as a precaution after suffering a ‘slight niggle.’
Questioned about his future as he left the Optus Stadium, said: “You guys will know something next week.”
His cryptic comments came after Solskjaer failed to confirm the second most expensive player in the club’s history would still be in place at the start of the season.
The United manager said: “Let’s see when the season starts - we’ve not had any bids we’re considering.
“All my conversations I will keep confidential, that’s my privilege and I can promise them (the players) that I won’t tell them our discussions.
“There’s been so much speculation, but he should be fit for Wednesday. He trained with the team yesterday, but wasn’t useful today to risk him to be fair.”
Lukaku (below, left) has informed Solskjaer of his desire to go after being told Marcus Rashford will lead United’s attack next season.
It’s understood the former Everton and Chelsea player feels undermined after being reduced to a fringe role.
In his absence against Perth, Rashford set about confirming his place at the point of United’s attack with a ruthlessly-taken first-time effort.
Solskjaer said: “It was a pleasant goal to watch because it is not a typical Marcus goal. When he scores it’s a wonder goal and I’ve been onto him about adding those scrappy goals or instinctive goals from inside the box.
“It was a great finish. Not the best strike of the ball, but if you hit it low and hard it might go in.
“The instinct was there and it’s about finishing. He’s working on it and practicing a lot.
“I don’t know any other feeling (than wanting to score goals), so it should be in you when you’re a striker. And it is in Marcus.”
