ROMELU LUKAKU has opened talks with Juventus over a move to Italy.
The Manchester United striker is wanted by the Italian giants, who are prepared to outbid Inter Milan in a cash-plus-player deal.
Juve have offered Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic plus £10million in a package to land Lukaku this week.
Dybala’s wage demands will be an obstacle in that part of the deal as he wants parity with United’s higher earners and is willing to stay with the Serie A champions.
Mandzukic would offer cover in the No9 role following Lukaku’s departure after making it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford.
The Belgium striker, 26, travelled to London after being left behind from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad to face Kristiansund in a pre-season friendly.
Juve officials have also travelled over to meet Lukaku and talks are expected to continue over the next day.
Bianconeri chiefs even consulted Cristiano Ronaldo over recruiting the former Chelsea and Everton forward — to which the Portuguese gave his seal of approval.
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Inter Milan had looked to be in pole position to land Lukaku after Antonio Conte made him his first-choice to lead his attack.
But their bid of £54million has been rejected by United, who want at least the £75million they paid Everton two years ago.
Conte is now targeting a move for PSG’s Edinson Cavani instead.
United face Norwegian club Kristiansund in Oslo on Tuesday night at 6pm before they play AC Milan in Cardiff on Saturday.
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Lukaku cut a solitary figure as he drove out of Carrington on Monday afternoon.
He’s not the only player to miss out on the trip to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s old stomping ground, with Alexis Sanchez also not included.