Inter Milan 'reject opening Barcelona player-plus-cash bid for Lautaro Martinez'

Inter Milan have reportedly rejected Barcelona's opening player-plus-cash bid for striker Lautaro Martinez.

The Spanish champions have identified the Argentine as a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez and their number one transfer target this summer.

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for Martinez, but Barcelona have now reportedly made the first formal approach.

Journalist Nicolo Schira claims that Barca lodged a bid of €70m (£61.4m) plus Nelson Semedo and Arturo Vidal, but that Inter have turned down that opening offer.

The Serie A giants are holding out for Martinez's full €111m (£97.3m) release clause, while Barcelona are eager to include players in the deal in order to decrease their cash outlay in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The report also claims that Barcelona have lined up a contract offer worth £170,000 per week at Camp Nou.