Inter Milan director delivers huge update on Romelu Lukaku’s future

Inter Milan sporting direction Piero Ausilio has delivered his verdict on the club’s ongoing pursuit of Chelsea misfit Romelu Lukaku.

The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Giuseppe Meazza but had to return to Stamford Bridge earlier this month after the Nerazzurri failed to sign him permanently.

However, the Italians are still keen on bringing Lukaku back to Serie A, as confirmed by Ausilio, although he claims the Blues are only looking for an outright sale.

“Lukaku knows we want him back here,” he told TuttoMercatoWeb. “We’re trying to find a solution.

“He’s at Chelsea and we are in contact – they told us that he’s not available on loan.

“We are exploring conditions for a permanent move – let’s see later in the window.”

Lukaku’s injury-hit start to his loan spell last season had cast doubt on his future at Inter, but the Belgian regained his best form late in the season, becoming a crucial component in the team’s top-four push.

Despite missing a glorious opportunity in a 1-0 heartache against Manchester City in the Champions League final, the ex-Manchester United flop has earned Nerazzurri’s trust.

Both parties are eager to continue together. Yet Chelsea’s bid to offload their overpaid outcast could render that reunion impossible, given the Italians’ financial struggle.

Allowing Andre Onana to complete a heavily anticipated switch to Old Trafford could help Inter to raise enough money to finance Lukaku’s return.

The problem is the Champions League runners-up are unwilling to budge on their valuation of the star goalkeeper, which has seen negotiations with the Red Devils reach a standstill.

Marcus Thuram’s arrival on a free transfer hasn’t influenced Ausilio’s effort to recreate a prolific partnership between Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.

With Edin Dzeko gone, the Frenchman has arrived to fill his boots, and his acquisition has nothing to do with Inter’s pursuit of the Belgian giant.