Romelu Lukaku will not force his way out of Manchester United out of respect for the club and its fans.
Inter Milan want to sign the Belgian marksman, 26, with United open to his departure if the Italian club meet their £80million asking price. Talks are ongoing.
But while Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has courted controversy with his tactics, having offered the midfielder to a number of clubs over the past year, Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorelli wants to be more respectful to United.
Pogba has upset some fans after revealing last week he is open to “a new challenge”, leading United in a tricky position amid interest from Real Madrid .
Chief executive Ed Woodward has reiterated the club’s position to Raiola, insisting Pogba is not for sale – despite a feeling in Spain that United have simply adopted a negotiating position.
Pastorello has made no secret of the fact that he is considering his options with United ready to sell.
But with Inter’s interest more concrete than that of Real Madrid who have other options, Lukaku’s camp are ready to bide their time leave things in United’s hands.
Antonio Conte is a huge fan of Lukaku who joined United from Everton for £75m in July 2017. Lukaku, who has three years left on his contract, has scored 42 goals in 96 games at Old Trafford.
Conte had been Chelsea boss when he signed. United had seen off the Blues’ interest to land the player.
Now Belgium manager Roberto Martinez believes the country’s record scorer must now change clubs after falling down the pecking order under United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“It is now important that Romelu finds the right club,” Martinez told Belgian newspaper Het Laatsts Nieuws. “It would be a good thing for both parties.”
Martinez, who has managed Lukaku at Everton and now at international level, added: “It is clear that he has to leave Manchester United .”
Asked about his future following Belgium’s 3-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Scotland last week, Lukaku said: “I know what I’ll do, but won’t say it. We’ll see.”
