Romelu Lukaku absent from Man Utd open training in Perth amid Inter links
Romelu Lukaku sparked fresh speculation about his future when failing to show for Manchester United’s open training session in Perth.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad worked out in front of around 12,000 fans inside the historic WACA on Thursday, with the Belgium international a notable absentee.
United sources explained he’d been tasked with gym-based work alongside Anthony Martial - but the wantaway striker’s future remains one of the main talking points in the opening days of the club’s tour to Australia and the Far East.
The 26-year-old is desperate to leave Old Trafford after being told he will be understudy to Marcus Rashford.
But he is growing increasingly frustrated with Inter Milan’s failure to come up with an offer matching United’s £80m valuation.
The Italians are trying to structure a deal involving players in exchange or an initial loan - but United are adamant they want their full asking price in cash.
Latest talks were due to take place on Thursday.
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Lukaku is aware of the Inter’s interest and is eager to join up with Antonio Conte at the San Siro. But there are growing concerns as to whether Inter can come up with the money to offer him an escape route.
Lukaku is believed to feel undermined by his situation, with Solskjaer making it clear Rashford will be his first choice striker.
As the second most expensive player in the club’s history, he faces the prospect of spending next season on the fringes of an attack built around Rashford, Martial, Jesse Lingard and Daniel James.
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Inter’s latest offer is believed to be an initial payment of 10m euros to take him on loan, with the commitment of two further instalments of 30m euros.
That still comes short of the £80m United are holding out for - and sources have indicated that such a bid as the latest proposed would be rejected.
