Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has suggested that the Italian giants still have work to do if they want to re-sign Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku.
Last summer, the Blues signed the Belgium international for a club-record fee of £97.5m, but the frontman only contributed 15 goals during his first year back at Stamford Bridge.
For a number of weeks, it has been claimed that the 29-year-old is eager for a reunion with Inter and the relevant people are currently discussing an arrangement which suits all parties.
Negotiations are said to be significantly down the line, the two clubs currently discussing the size of a loan fee and any potential add-ons in the deal.
However, Marotta has played down suggestions that a conclusion to talks is imminent, hinting that an announcement will not be forthcoming in the short term.
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Speaking to Radio Anch'Io, Marotta said: "It's a feasible path, but there are some difficulties and we need to evaluate whether there's a chance to make it. We won't announce Lukaku's return today.
From Chelsea's perspective, they are said to want to find a resolution as soon as possible in order for Thomas Tuchel to focus on making his own additions.
If reports are to be believed, one of the German's signings could be Milan Skriniar, who has been heavily linked with a transfer away from Inter.
The Slovakia international has just 12 months remaining on his contract and Inter's financial issues mean that they can ill-afford to lose a prized asset on a free transfer in 2023.
Addressing the situation with Skriniar and the team's central defenders in general, Marotta has acknowledged that a sale in that area of the pitch is a possibility.
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Marotta added: "It's more difficult to replace a striker than a defender because there aren't many of the first ones and have high prices.
"Probably, we'll be forced to do something in defence, but [Piero] Ausilio, [Dario] Baccin and I are already considering valid alternatives if one of our defenders leaves."
PSG have allegedly failed with an approach in the region of £43m for Skriniar, but Inter may have to be open to a compromise if they want to generate transfer funds over the coming weeks.
Marotta has revealed that deals have already been agreed for goalkeeper Andre Onana and playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, as well as admitting that Inter want to sign Paulo Dybala on a free transfer.
Darren Plant
