Inter Milan

Romelu Lukaku has said football is "going backwards" on tackling racist abuse after some in the crowd subjected him to monkey chants while he was playing for Inter Milan against Cagliari on Sunday at the Sardegna Arena.

Lukaku took to Instagram after the match, in which he scored the winner from the penalty spot, to address the situation. He wrote:

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's 2019, instead of going forwards we're going backwards."

Romelu Lukaku responds to the racial abuse he suffered against Cagliari on Sunday night.

via IG/romelulukaku pic.twitter.com/OUMjQYE4P8

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) September 2, 2019

In the wake of the chants directed at Lukaku, Serie A announced a new anti-discrimination initiative that will start in October, per Football Italia.

“Lega Serie A has always been against all forms of discrimination and is strongly committed to countering a heinous phenomenon that, though perpetrated by a few stupid people, damages the whole system," Serie A president Gaetano Micciche and CEO Luigi De Siervo said in a statement. “In October, a national and international initiative will be launched, involving the 20 Serie A teams, with the aim of making every supporter aware of such a delicate and important issue. Each club will be asked to select their own player, who will become part of Serie A’s ‘Team Against Racism’, a testimonial that will be the bearer of the values ​​of respect and equality in the first person. Racism is a cultural problem, everyone’s commitment will be needed, from experts to fans, to spread a positive, consistent and appropriate model for a civilised country like Italy through its stadia.”

Lukaku, 26, only joined Inter from Manchester United last month, and he has so far scored in both his Serie A appearances for his new club.

His former United team-mates, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, have both been subjected to racist abuse on social media after missing penalties in the Premier League this term.

Harry Maguire made similar calls to Lukaku for social media sites to be better equipped at handling racist abuse:

Disgusting. Social media need to do something about it... Every account that is opened should be verified by a passport/driving licence. Stop these pathetic trolls making numerous accounts to abuse people. @Twitter @instagram https://t.co/bzow073aTw

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) August 20, 2019

But those were not isolated incidents, and nor was the abuse of Lukaku on Sunday.

Last season, 19-year-old Moise Kean was targeted with racist abuse at Cagliari while playing for Juventus, and Blaise Matuidi has suffered similarly at the same stadium:

Cagliari. Again 😡
And not just them
Action, PLEASE

2017: No punishment for racist chanting at Muntari - "couldn’t really be heard"
2018: "No sanction can be brought" for abuse of Matuidi
May: Monkey chants at Kean -"limited relevance to race"
Now Lukakuhttps://t.co/o3uYuGoGmf

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) September 2, 2019

As such, it is difficult to argue with Lukaku's assertion that not enough action has been taken to deal with the issue.  

Belgium national team coach Roberto Martinez has hit out at critics of Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, saying they're too focused on his flaws and don't realise his value as a top goalscorer.

Martinez gave a lengthy interview to Rob Draper of the Mail on Sunday, and touched on former Manchester United striker Lukaku, saying he wasn't appreciated during his time in the Premier League:

"Romelu hasn't been appreciated for most of the time he's been in the British game. And the reason is very clear. Everyone analyses what he hasn't got as a No 9.

"Everyone wants to tell him the first touch should be better, that he should be stronger in the air, that he needs to make more room. But what they miss is his outstanding trade as a goalscorer. Look at his stats. He is one of the most significant scorers at his age.

"Like any player, if you are going to highlight the things they don't do well, you wouldn't get the feeling of a good player. But in Romelu's case, he's always been a top goalscorer."

Draper noted Lukaku's excellent scoring record of 48 goals in 81 matches for Belgium. He also added a total of 113 Premier League goals, all by the age of 26.

The former Chelsea and Everton man was a frequent target for criticism, however, and things haven't changed since he moved to Inter.

Pundit and former United defender Gary Neville questioned his fitness and professionalism, an assessment the player disagreed with, per BBC Sport:

"[Gary Neville] is a pundit, he gets paid to say certain kinds of stuff, I'm paid to play football." pic.twitter.com/nTa4YxHOAf

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 30, 2019

Neville was back at it on Sunday, continuing his war of words on Twitter:

I’m hearing you. I’m delighted he’s left . I won’t be happy till everyone single one of them that think they are better and bigger than the club and don’t want to be here are gone ! Nothing at all about his nationality or him not being a good player .He will always score goals . https://t.co/Ro11KH15oX

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 1, 2019

I don’t care about 25 / 10 / 5 at the moment . We just need players that want to play for the club. Strip it back to that and then build a team ... That’s what I want . It will take some time to do though so patience will be needed . Twitter has loads of patience so we are good. https://t.co/Y7GRPxPMpM

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 1, 2019

Lukaku spent two years at Old Trafford after an impressive spell with Everton, but never really fit into the Red Devils' style of play.

His scoring output was not an issue―he bagged 28 Premier League goals for United―but his lack of aerial ability meant he was a poor fit under Jose Mourinho, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prefers a more mobile striker.

Solskjaer has put his faith in Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to lead the line this season, with limited success so far. United have won just one of their four Premier League matches.

Lukaku made his Inter debut in a winning effort against Lecce, and converted an easy tap-in to open his Serie A account:

He was one of many new arrivals for the Nerazzurri this summer, joining coach Antonio Conte and stars like Nicolo Barella, Diego Godin and Alexis Sanchez.

Inter will try to end Juventus' eight-year dominance of the competition and will need the Belgian at his best to have any chance of dethroning their rivals.

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has said Manchester United legend Gary Neville was wrong to question his professionalism during his spell at Old Trafford. 

The Belgium international was sold by United to Inter this summer, with Neville critical of the forward because of his weight and apparent lack of fitness.

However, Lukaku has directly responded to Neville's assessment of him. In an interview with BBC Sport's Simon Stone, Lukaku said the pundit was incorrect to doubt his professionalism:

"He (Neville) can talk about my fitness but he should never say anything about my professionalism, that I don't work hard enough. That is something he cannot say. All the coaches I have had say the same thing about me.

"What did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer say when I was on the training ground? What did he say? That I always work hard and always do my best to try and improve myself. Same with Jose Mourinho and Roberto Martinez. Now Antonio Conte will say it.

"Last year was just a bad year. It happens in football. You just have to move on. I am not going to sit here and react in a negative way.

"We are grown men. He is a pundit. He gets paid to say this kind of stuff. I am paid to play football. I just want to do my best for Inter Milan. That is it."

Neville had questioned Lukaku's efforts in a tweeted response to football journalist Andy Mitten on August 8. The ex-United captain did not hold back and said about the player, "unprofessionalism is contagious":

Andy he admitted he was overweight ! He is over 100kg! He’s a Manchester United player!

He will score goals and do well at Inter Milan but unprofessionalism is contagious 😷 ! 👋

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) August 8, 2019

Lukaku was clearly not the type of striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted at the start of his first full campaign as manager. The Norwegian favours a pacey No. 9, and will play either Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial or Mason Greenwood through the middle. The presence of the three players in the squad made sure of Lukaku's departure.

The 26-year-old lasted only two seasons at Old Trafford after being purchased by Jose Mourinho. At Everton, Lukaku had plenty of service from the wing, but at United, Mourinho played a more narrow style, constricting the team's ability to spread the attack.

Lukaku scored 35 goals in two campaigns with United in the Premier League and Europe, proving his goalscoring was not the wider issue. 

Solskjaer wants to play with a high press at a greater tempo, and the Belgian was entirely unsuited to this method.

At Inter, Lukaku is likely to feature in a more conventional striking role, and the reduced pace of Serie A could mean the player thrives in his new environment in Italy.

Antonio Conte praised Romelu Lukaku after he scored on his Inter Milan debut on Monday, and Conte revealed details on the transfer fee the club will pay to Manchester United.

Lukaku scored in a 4-0 win over Lecce on Monday, and Conte told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football-Italia) his performance "showed why we tried so hard to sign him."

He praised the striker following his arrival from United earlier in August and said there is more still to come:

Romelu Lukaku is off the mark at Inter ⚽️

And Antonio Conte says there's a lot more to come from the 'gentle giant' in Serie A 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/74Fc5hPgi5

— GOAL (@goal) August 27, 2019

On his transfer fee, he added to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football-Italia), "Let's not forget Lukaku cost €65 million to be paid over five years, so when people talk about big money spent, it wasn't even that much."

BBC Sport's Simon Stone reported his transfer fee could rise to a club-record €80 million (£74 million), so it seems Conte's figure of €65 million (£59 million) is before add-ons.

Given the Red Devils spent an initial £75 million to sign him from Everton in 2017, in a deal that included a potential £15 million in add-ons, it's clear they've been unable to recoup all the money spent on the Belgian.

Lukaku found the net on Monday when he finished a rebound from Lautaro Martinez:

LUKAKU! 🔥

He gets a debut goal for Inter Milan, it had to be! 🔵⚫#SerieA pic.twitter.com/XtojfCp8ug

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 26, 2019

He's no stranger to a debut goal, and he also showed another side to his game as he brought his team-mates into play:

The last four league debuts for @RomeluLukaku9:

West Brom—⚽
Everton—⚽
Manchester United—⚽
Inter—⚽ pic.twitter.com/RG3tT6GZu7

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 26, 2019

Romelu Lukaku created more chances (4) vs. Lecce than any other player Inter Milan during his debut for the club.

And he got himself on the scoresheet. 😏 pic.twitter.com/GAljTHsZZK

— Squawka (@Squawka) August 26, 2019

The Independent's Jack Rathborn was impressed with his performance:

This is a Lukaku we’ve not seen for a long time, looks fast and powerful, smart movement to drift out wide and take on opponents, and now opens his Inter account following up the rebound #InterLecce

— Jack Rathborn (@JackRathborn) August 26, 2019

The striker only scored 15 goals in 45 appearances last season, but he netted 27 in his first campaign with United.

He has been one of Europe's most prolific strikers in recent years, with his goal against Lecce being the 236th strike of his career for club and country.

Conte won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus and guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season at Stamford Bridge. He's a manager who can often coax a great deal from his players, so he could be the ideal coach to get Lukaku firing again after he disappointed with United last season.

If the Italian can get the best out of Lukaku, they'll have an enormous asset on their hands.

Inter Milan chief executive officer Giuseppe Marotta has responded to Wanda Nara's recent comments regarding the future of her husband, Mauro Icardi, by saying no-one at the club told the player to stay.

Icardi, 26, has been linked with the Inter exit since entering a contract stand-off with the club earlier this year. Nara holds a regular spot on television programme Tiki Taka (h/t Goal's Sean Wilson) and recently hinted it may have been "the one who runs the club" who told her husband to remain.

However, Marotta spoke to DAZN (h/t Wilson) and issued a swift response to those comments, appearing to suggest the two parties might still part ways this summer:

"We greeted Wanda Nara's comments with a pinch of irritation, both for the timing and the method. 

"I can also categorically deny that someone at the club told Icardi to stay at Inter, especially not President Steven Zhang.

"The strategy Inter have taken is precise and we communicated it clearly in the right time-frame. We'll continue like this to the end and nobody at Inter can change this common approach that is shared by everyone."

The Serie A transfer window closes on the evening of 2 September, giving the Nerazzurri a little less than one week to find an appropriate destination for the player should they decide to sell.

Nara added manager Antonio Conte "is not letting [Icardi] play" for the time being but that she felt her partner "will remain at Inter."

She also noted the couple's links in Naples—suggesting a move to Napoli could be on the cards—but said the striker is committed to Inter, per Goal:

Mauro Icardi wants Inter and Inter only 🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/Xpma6SAQIl

— GOAL (@goal) August 26, 2019

Icardi has two years remaining on his current contract and boasts a prolific goal return at the club—124 goals in 219 appearances—but there's been a lack of concrete interest despite rumours of a split this summer.

Inter also appeared to suggest the player could be set to remain at the San Siro after shirt numbers were distributed this season:

OFFICIAL: Mauro Icardi has been given the number 7️⃣ shirt by Inter this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/F8ywjCYVfi

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 23, 2019

However, new signing Romelu Lukaku is helping the team move on after he scored on his Serie A debut against Lecce on Monday.

The Nerazzurri opened their league campaign with a 4-0 demolition of the promoted outfit, with Lukaku maintaining his streak of career debut strikes:

🇧🇪 Impressive stat from 2018 #WorldCup adidas Bronze Boot winner @RomeluLukaku9 ⤵️

🏎 The @BelRedDevils FWD has scored on his league debut for each of his last 4 clubs:@Inter_en v Lecce ⚽
Man Utd v West Ham ⚽⚽
Everton v West Ham ⚽
West Brom v Liverpool ⚽ pic.twitter.com/3ixU4Ll9gb

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 26, 2019

His success in front of goal will help make up for the absence of Icardi, who has netted 72 goals in the past three seasons at Inter. 

Inter could find themselves stuck with the striker until at least the January transfer window should they fail to sanction a sale this summer, even with Marotta seemingly open to the player leaving in the coming days.

Wanda Nara, Mauro Icardi's wife and agent, has said the striker will stay with Inter Milan this season.

Icardi has been linked with a departure from the San Siro throughout the summer, with Juventus, Napoli and Monaco among those said to have been interested.

On Sunday, Nara said on Mediaset's Tiki Taka (h/t Goal's Joe Wright):

"We have many friends in Naples. It's true—he has said no to every destination that is not Inter.

"Everyone has known his choice since the start of the summer and that is the case for any team that has shown interest. In my view, at the end of the day, he will remain at Inter.

"He doesn't believe it's over at Inter. I don't know what's going to happen, but I do know his words when the transfer market opened. He has stayed consistent."

She added:

Mauro Icardi wants Inter and Inter only 🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/Xpma6SAQIl

— GOAL (@goal) August 26, 2019

As Bleacher Report's Alex McGovern relayed from Instagram, Icardi recently showed his commitment to remaining at Inter:

Icardi's so against leaving Inter he's building a new house in Milan. This saga never gets old. pic.twitter.com/pXAG7k9vR8

— Alex McGovern (@AlexMcGovern11) August 20, 2019

Icardi has bagged 124 goals and laid on 28 assists in 219 games for the club, but he has become an unpopular figure with supporters in recent years.

In 2016, the Argentina forward was sanctioned by the club after he clashed with fans over a controversial chapter that had to be removed from his autobiography because it offended the ultras.

In February this year, he was stripped of the captaincy and did not feature again until 3 April, missing 10 games in the meantime.

New manager Antonio Conte has been open about the 26-year-old not being part of his plans for the season and has recruited Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United to lead the line.

Following Lukaku's move, football commentator Adam Summerton noted how clinical Icardi is:

All those shouting Ronaldo at me...I said ‘best finisher’ - not ‘best footballer’.
Do the research, look at the shot conversion rates.
In 17/18, for example, Icardi required 3.48 shots-per-goal - 28.7% conversion rate. (Incredible)
Ronaldo that year? 6.85 (14.6%)

— Adam Summerton (@adamsummerton) August 7, 2019

Given his determination to stay at Inter, there may be little the Serie A club can do to offload him before the transfer window closes on 2 September.

Lukaku will surely be Conte's first choice centre-forward, but if the Belgian suffers an injury or picks up a suspension Icardi could find himself called upon.

Should that happen, he'll need to take the opportunity if he's to salvage a future at the club.

Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio said he turned down a move to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning because they're owned by the same group as Inter Milan. 

The 33-year-old, who is a free agent this summer, revealed he had rejected an offer from Jiangsu while considering his next move.

He told Sky Italia (h/t Goal's Sam France):

"I refused the proposal of Jiangsu Suning.

"Was it influenced by the fact that they are linked to Inter? Of course it was a factor. The link to that shirt wouldn't allow me to make that choice in good conscience.

"Japan or Arabia? We will need to see what the future holds. I couldn't wear any other shirt in Italy after Juventus, so I can say that I will only be considering offers from abroad.

"I appreciate the interest, I have received so many messages, but I want to be logical. Could I return to Juventus? No, I made that decision a year ago."

Marchisio left Zenit St. Petersburg halfway through a two-year contract with the Russian club:

The club can confirm that Claudio Marchisio's contract has been mutually terminated.

Zenit would like to thank Claudio for his time with the club and wish him all the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/yu27GeBsMZ

— FC Zenit in English✨ (@fczenit_en) July 1, 2019

The midfielder made just 15 appearances for Zenit, with a knee injury cutting short his campaign in February.

The Italian had joined Zenit in September last year, having left Juventus the previous month.

His departure ended a 25-year association with the Bianconeri, whom he joined in 1993 at the age of seven and made 389 appearances for, and he released an emotional statement upon his exit:

Claudio Marchisio’s goodbye letter to Juventus 😢🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZPmAEQ8IWX

— COPA90 (@Copa90) August 22, 2018

Marchisio broke into the side following their relegation to Serie B in 2006 as a result of the Calciopoli scandal.

After helping the Old Lady win promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt, he spent the following season on loan with Empoli.

Following his return in 2008, he became a regular fixture over the next 10 seasons, winning seven titles in the process, as well as the Coppa Italia on four occasions.

Injuries became an issue for him in his final years in Turin, though, causing him to directly miss 40 matches in his last three seasons.

As his time at Zenit demonstrated, his fitness remains a concern. That has not stopped him from receiving offers, but it could affect the kind of impact he'll be able to have with his next club.

Romelu Lukaku has said training at Inter Milan is "different" than it was in England after his move from Manchester United to the San Siro.

Lukaku joined the Nerazzurri last week for a club-record fee of €80 million (£74 million).

The striker netted four times in his first appearance for the Serie A giants, an 8-0 pre-season friendly win against Serie D side Virtus Bergamo:

Four goals for @RomeluLukaku9 on his first appearance as an @Inter player 💪 pic.twitter.com/QmtxB6MnSp

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 13, 2019

But it has clearly not all been easygoing for Lukaku in his first days at Inter as he has said the training is tough in Italy under manager Antonio Conte, per Otro (h/t Football Italia): "It's hard, man. It's different. In England, it's a lot of work, but here it's real work. The city is nice, but I didn't come here to live, I came here to help the team achieve something."

Inter kick off their 2019-20 league campaign with a home clash against Lecce on August 26.

Assuming Lukaku plays, it will be his first league games outside England in the best part of a decade.

The Belgium international left Anderlecht to join Chelsea in 2011 and then spent time on loans at West Bromwich Albion and Everton before joining United for £75 million in 2017.

His goalscoring record with the Manchester giants was not superb, but 28 goals in 66 appearances for the Old Trafford club was a reasonable return.

The 26-year-old's overall record in England over the last few seasons, as well as his recent international record, is enough for Inter and their fans to be excited about what he could add in the coming campaign:

⚽️ Most #PL goals since Romelu Lukaku's English top-flight debut in Aug 2011:

162 - Sergio Aguero
125 - Harry Kane
113 - ROMELU LUKAKU
89 - Wayne Rooney
85 - Eden Hazard pic.twitter.com/8mSApFwyFL

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 8, 2019

⚽️ Romelu Lukaku’s goal record since the start of June 2018
Belgium - 14 goals in 15 games
Man Utd - 15 goals in 45 games pic.twitter.com/yZB49w5OQt

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) June 11, 2019

Inter have not properly competed for the Serie A title lately, coming second in 2010-11 after winning four Scudettos starting in 2006.

They have, though, finished fourth the last two seasons, securing themselves UEFA Champions League football. 

Under Conte in 2019-20, Inter's aim will be to get back into contention for the league title, which has been monopolised by Juventus over the last eight seasons. 

Inter Milan confirmed on Friday that new signing Romelu Lukaku will take the club's iconic No. 9 jersey from Mauro Icardi.

The Belgium international arrived at the San Siro on Thursday, with Inter paying a reported £74 million for the centre-forward.

It's anticipated Lukaku will lead the line for Antonio Conte's side this season, and the decision to give him Icardi's jersey has cast further doubts over the future of the Argentina forward.

Inter confirmed the decision on their Twitter account:

❔ | NUMERO DI MAGLIA@RomeluLukaku9 ⚫️🔵👇🏻#WelcomeRomelu #NotForEveryone #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/57nja9IOh3

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) August 9, 2019

The move makes it increasingly likely that Icardi has played his final game for the club, continuing what has been year to forget for the sharpshooter.

Per Simon Peach of the Press Association, the Inter boss has been open about his unwillingness to use Icardi. "He is out of Inter's project," the Italian said in July. "This is the reality in this moment."

Icardi has been one of Inter's best players in recent years, although his career in Milan has stalled in 2019. In February, he was stripped of the captaincy, while a public war of words between the player, his wife and agent Wanda Nara and former manager Luciano Spalletti ensued.

While Icardi has long been linked with a move away from the club, Conte's candidness when discussing the player makes an exit more likely than ever. According to Alvise Cagnazzo of the MailOnline, the striker wants to stay in Italy, with Juventus linked with a possible move.

Per Italian football journalist David Amoyal, the futures of Icardi and Lukaku appeared intertwined at times during the summer:

It’s amazing how timing is such a factor in this chess match between Juventus & Inter that involved Lukaku and now Dybala and Icardi. Fascinating stuff especially when you consider two former long time colleagues, Marotta & Paratici, are playing this chess match

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) August 8, 2019

While Conte seemingly has no time for Icardi, it's abundantly clear he is pleased to have got the transfer of Lukaku over the line:

🖤💙 | LUKAKU

There are welcomes 🤗

There are warm welcomes 🤗🔥

There are very warm welcomes 🤗🔥🔥

And then there are Antonio #Conte welcomes 🤗🔥🔥🔥#WelcomeLukaku #NotForEveryone #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/N0ldluoJ2T

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) August 9, 2019

It will be intriguing to see how the ex-Everton man fares in Italy, having spent much of his career in the Premier League.

After a strong start to life at United, Lukaku frustrated Red Devils supporters. He was unable to operate as part of a high press off the ball, while his work with his back to goal leaves a lot to be desired.

Where Lukaku excels is in his goalscoring, as he was one of the most frequent goalscorers in English football's top flight during his time in the division:

100 - Romelu Lukaku is the fifth-youngest player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League (24y 322d), as well as the youngest non-English player to achieve this milestone. Force. pic.twitter.com/nVYhhBsWr9

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 8, 2019

Icardi was formerly adored by the Inter faithful, and it's a shame to see his spell at the club head towards such a bitter end. At his best, he is one of the most prolific finishers in the game, and that edge in front of goal will be attractive to a number of high-profile teams across Europe.

The challenge for the Nerazzurri now will be finding a suitor for the player who will meet their valuation. If there were any lingering hopes for Icardi of forcing his way back into contention, taking his famous shirt number from him and giving it to a new signing surely eradicates them.  

Romelu Lukaku is reportedly close to leaving Manchester United for Inter Milan after the two clubs reached a "verbal agreement" over a transfer on Wednesday:

Verbal agreement between @ManUtd and @Inter for @RomeluLukaku9 @SkySportsPL @SkySportsNews

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 7, 2019

Earlier in the day, the Serie A club was credited with having made an "improved bid," per Simon Stone of BBC Sport. He reported how "Lukaku's agent, Federico Pastorello, flew to London on Wednesday in an attempt to resolve his future."

And later in the evening, Pastorello took to Instagram (h/t Goal) to say "Ready to take off .... direction Milan !!! Inter ... we are coming."

Upon landing in Milan, the Belgian received a lively reception from waiting fans:

Welcome to Milan, Romelu Lukaku pic.twitter.com/dZDOuwoucW

— Gerry Cox (@GerryCox) August 8, 2019

It seems the talks could reach fruition after things had looked to be at a standstill ever since United knocked back an offer worth £53.9 million in July.

Internazionale's renewed efforts have resulted in offering "an initial £64.7 million plus a further £5.3 million in add-ons," according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

Lukaku hasn't given up on leaving Old Trafford, with the striker opting to train with his first club, Belgian side Anderlecht, in recent days:

A man training with Anderlecht while he’s waiting for a move. One of those unexpected twists and turns. #mufc @hlnsport pic.twitter.com/SP4KFGmYYO

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) August 5, 2019

Day 2 of a transfer soap: Romelu Lukaku is still training with Anderlecht today. With Man United refusing to comment.

👉🏼 https://t.co/eXr2HmWnvd#mufc pic.twitter.com/6veq9kO2iP

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) August 6, 2019

The decision to train away from United has prompted a fine, while the Belgium international has also incurred the wrath of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he tweeted the running speeds posted by team-mates during a recent training session, per Mike McGrath of The Sun.

Lukaku moving to Italy has become a theme of United's summer. The 26-year-old was thought to be bound for Serie A champion Juventus, with Paulo Dybala going the other way, only for the deal to collapse because United believed the latter didn't fancy the move, according to James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph.

It's proved good news for Inter, with last year's fourth-placed Serie A club rarely wavering in their desire to bring Lukaku to Milan. Manager Antonio Conte has previously shown interest in the powerhouse more than once:

If Romelu Lukaku ends up at Inter, he will work under a manager that wants him badly and tried to sign him twice before (Juve 2014, Chelsea 2017). Inter know what to do - up the fee. United are still keen on offloading him. #mufc pic.twitter.com/D8CHV8GYLz

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) August 4, 2019

Cashing in on Lukaku makes some sense for the Red Devils, who are otherwise well stocked along the forward line. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and 17-year-old Mason Greenwood offer pace, versatility and coolness in front of goal.

Yet no member of this trio combines technique with physical power the way Lukaku can. The former Chelsea and Everton frontman has been a prolific source of goals throughout his career in England's top flight:

Romelu Lukaku in the Premier League:

Head:
• 23 goals

Right foot: Left foot:
• 31 goals • 57 goals

The 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 player to score 20+ goals with each since he made his competition debut. pic.twitter.com/RcRUlnUk8b

— Squawka (@Squawka) August 7, 2019

Goals haven't been a problem, but consistency has generally eluded Lukaku since he arrived at United from Goodison Park in a deal worth £75 million in 2017. Solskjaer is trying to build a fitter, hungrier squad and has put his faith in different options.

Even so, letting Lukaku leave would raise questions about whether the Red Devils have enough firepower to secure a top-four Premier League finish and return to the UEFA Champions League. Aside from Rashford and Martial, big-earning flop Alexis Sanchez remains on the books, but the former Arsenal man has struggled more than Lukaku to settle in the red half of Manchester.

United, who finished sixth in the league last season, wouldn't have another natural target man to act as the focal point up top. It has some already looking toward Lukaku-style alternatives:

A big day for Lukaku. His agent in London to secure his departure. His position looks untenable at United. Mandzukic provides some sort of replacement if that deal can be resurrected #MUFC

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) August 7, 2019

Solskjaer would have to move quickly though ahead of the Premier League's summer transfer window slamming shut at noon BST Thursday.