Inter are locked in a ‘total war’ with Juventus after the Bianconeri made an approach for Romelu Lukaku, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Fabio Paratici explored the possibility of moving for the Belgian several weeks ago, but on Thursday he met Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorello and asked for more information.
Juventus can only sign Lukaku if Manchester United agree to take Paulo Dybala in a swap deal, and for now the clubs do not agree on the players’ respective valuations.
Inter are frustrated at the Old Lady’s movements but they cannot submit an improved offer to United until Mauro Icardi, Radja Nainggolan or Ivan Perisic has been sold.
Beppe Marotta and Antonio Conte remain confident about Lukaku because the player gave them his word a long time ago.
The pair are studying alternative options as well, though, and on Monday they identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani as a Plan B.
Cavani turned 32 in February and is therefore several years older than Lukaku, but Conte prefers him over another possible fall-back in Rafael Leao, who seems set to join Milan.
Edin Dzeko is a separate issue and Marotta will attempt to resume talks with Roma on Monday, perhaps increasing Inter’s offer to €15 million, but the Giallorossi want Gonzalo Higuain as a replacement before letting the Bosnian go.
Mauro Icardi remains Juventus’ first choice in attack but Lukaku appears to have become a credible alternative.
Juve may simply be trying to disturb Inter by moving for one of their targets, but only time will tell.
