Inter face a race against time to secure a deal for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku, according to Tuttosport.

The Nerazzurri’s bid to sign the Belgian suffered a blow on Monday when the club’s hierarchy reminded Antonio Conte they cannot afford a big-money signing for the moment.

Lukaku is Conte’s first choice in attack but Inter have yet to submit an improved bid following their €60 million plus €5 million offer, which was rejected.

United want €83 million to sell the 26-year-old and are showing no signs of lowering that asking price.

Inter have little more than a week to make up the €18 million gap in valuations, because United would need time to secure a replacement.

The Premier League’s transfer window shuts on 8 August and this leaves the Nerazzurri with very little room for maneouvre.

Lukaku missed United’s win over Inter on Saturday as he continues to wait for a move to San Siro.

The forward’s desire to join up with Conte is not enough to ensure a deal gets over the line, though, because the difference in valuations is still far too big.