Inter have rejected Chelsea’s attempt to swap four players in the deal which will see Romelu Lukaku return to Italy, according to reports.
Lukaku is now on the verge of moving back to Inter on an initial loan deal less than a year after his £97.5 million switch to Stamford Bridge last August.
Thomas Tuchel has given the green light for Lukaku to return to San Siro, while Chelsea are willing to accept a €10m (£8.5m) loan fee plus add-ons from Inter.
According to Goal, Chelsea also explored the possibility of including Lautaro Martinez, Denzel Dumfries, Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni as part of the deal involving Lukaku.
But Chelsea’s efforts were ‘rejected out of hand’ by Inter, who are intent on keeping their key players this summer.
Chelsea are now waiting on Inter’s hierarchy to agree to their terms for Lukaku’s move back to Serie A.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are understood to be closing in on a deal to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.
The 27-year-old has just a year remaining on his current contract with the Premier League champions and is keen on seeking a new challenge.
Chelsea are reportedly confident that a £35m deal will be enough to bring Sterling to Stamford Bridge.
However, City are asking for a fee in the region of £60m.
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