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Romelu Lukaku 'rejected Manchester City's advances earlier this year'

Lukaku 'rejected Man City's advances earlier this year'
© Reuters
Manchester City reportedly failed with a move for Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku earlier this year.

Manchester City reportedly failed with a move for Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku earlier this year before switching their attention to Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane.

Citizens boss Pep Guardiola confirmed during a press conference on Friday that his club are looking to bring Kane to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Luca Marchetti, Man City had initially identified Lukaku as their leading target to replace Sergio Aguero, but the Belgium international rejected the club's advances.

Chelsea are now said to be closing in on the signing of their former player, who has excelled for Inter over the last two seasons, scoring 64 times in 95 appearances in all competitions.

However, the Blues are yet to reach an agreement with the Italian champions over a transfer fee, and Simone Inzaghi's side allegedly want a cash-only deal due to their financial problems.

Man City had also been strongly linked with Lionel Messi in the aftermath of Thursday's announcement that he would be leaving Barcelona, but Guardiola has all but ruled out a deal for the Argentine, with the Premier League champions preparing to focus on Kane, having now announced Jack Grealish's arrival.

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Written by
Matt Law

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