Inter Milan 'lining up £9m loan bid for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku'

Inter Milan are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Romelu Lukaku by making their first official bid for the Manchester United striker.

Lukaku's representatives are understood to have met with Inter officials on Wednesday, when the Belgian's agent confirmed that his client is keen on a move to the Italian outfit.

The 26-year-old recently expressed his admiration for new Inter boss Antonio Conte, and the prospect of working alongside a man he proclaimed as the "best manager in the world" is thought to be a major reason behind Lukaku's desire to leave Old Trafford.

The Guardian claims that Inter are now preparing their opening bid for the Belgium international and plan to propose an initial two-year loan worth €10m (£9m) with an obligation to buy for €60m (£53.8m) at the end of that period.

However, the overall value of such a deal would be £62.8m, which is still some way short of United's reported £80m asking price.

Inter remain eager to sell Mauro Icardi in order to help raise funds for the transfer, although the prospect of an initial loan means that they would be able to press forward with signing Lukaku without having to offload the Argentine first.

Lukaku joined United for an initial fee of £75m in 2017 and has gone on to score 42 goals in 96 games for the club across all competitions.