Inter Milan are set to sell two players to help fund a move for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.
New manager Antonio Conte has identified the Belgium international as one of his main targets this summer as he aims to mount a serious challenge for the Serie A title next season.
Although the 26-year-old is reported to want to complete a switch to the San Siro, the Red Devils are said to want a fee in the region of £75 million.
With the Italian giants needing to raise funds in order to match the Premier League side’s asking price, the Sun reports that the club are set to bring in £40m through the sales of Joao Mario and Dalbert.
(Image: Getty Images)
Portugal international Mario, who joined the club in 2016 and has previously had a loan spell in England at West Ham , is reportedly set to move to Monaco in a £22m deal.
Left-back Dalbert has also been linked with a £18m move to Leonardo Jardim’s side, although Ligue 1 rivals Lyon are also believed to be interested in signing the Brazilian.
Mario, 26, scored once and provided three assists in 22 games for Inter last season, while Dalbert played just 12 times in all competitions as the Milan club finished fourth in the league.
Selling the pair is expected to bring Inter around half of United’s desired sum for Lukaku, who has scored 42 goals in 96 appearances since moving from Everton in 2017.
(Image: Francois Nel)
According to the publication, Inter are expected to make their first formal offer for the Belgian this weekend, to coincide with the start of a new Financial Fair Play year.
Recent reports have claimed that the Italian club are set to make an offer worth £62.8m, which will constitute a £9m up-front payment for a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy him for around £54m when that comes to an end.
However, the Telegraph claims that the bid is set to be rejected, with the Manchester club favouring a permanent transfer.
Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorello has reportedly already met with Inter in Milan – although he is representing a number of clients in the city – with the San Siro-based outfit free to sign players again from June 30, when they will released from a FFP settlement agreement.
