This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
Manchester United is holding firm on its valuation of Romelu Lukaku, with the Belgian striker's contract set to expire in 2022. The club is aware of Lukaku's impressive Premier League scoring record of 113 goals in 252 games for United, Chelsea, Everton, and West Brom.
Inter Milan, however, is willing to offer Lukaku a Sh5.3 billion contract over five years, including bonuses, if they can convince Manchester United to sell the striker. This proposal would guarantee United Sh8 billion, including add-ons, but structured over two or three years.
According to Sky in Italy, Inter's latest proposal is still short of United's expectations, with the club wanting more than the Sh10.2 billion they paid for Lukaku in 2017. The Serie A club is reluctant to match that asking price and would prefer to find some middle ground.
Inter head coach Antonio Conte has been tight-lipped about the negotiations, but he is scheduled to speak to the media on Friday in Singapore, where United and Lukaku are due to arrive on Thursday ahead of a friendly between the sides this weekend.
Conte's pre-match news conference is expected to be dominated by Lukaku-themed questions, and the Italian coach has previous form for making his feelings on transfer failings known. In 2014, he resigned as Juventus manager after reportedly objecting to the club's transfer policy.
