Manchester United have told Inter Milan: Pay us £75million or forget signing Romelu Lukaku.
The two clubs held talks on Thursday in a bid to thrash out a deal with Antonio Conte desperate to sign the Belgian striker.
United want their money back and are sticking to their guns with Lukaku’s former club Everton due a £5million sell-on fee.
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the talks between the two clubs. The offer so far from the Italians has been a loan with an obligation to buy for £65million.
Ausilio said: “We had an official approach with Man United for Lukaku. We're working, we'll see. Every player we are trying to sign is wanted by Conte.”
Lukaku, 26, is determined to quit Old Trafford despite a late u-turn from boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leading to a request for him to stay.
The frontman, who scored 15 goals last season, is understood to feel unappreciated and is well aware that Marcus Rashford will be Solskjaer’s first choice next season.
The lucrative, £300,000-a-week new deal handed to Rashford has done little to change Lukaku’s belief that he is behind the rising star in the pecking order.
Solskjaer’s request also comes with United struggling to make inroads in the transfer market after signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.
Inter are believed to have been spurred into action by suggestions that Juventus could enter the bidding for Lukaku.
The marksman, who traded Goodison Park for Old Trafford last season, is keen to work with Conte.
