Inter earmark former Manchester United target as Romelu Lukaku alternative

Serie A giants will turn to versatile Frankfurt forward Ante Rebic if they fail to prise Romelu Lukaku away from Manchester United this summer, claims Gianluca Di Marzio.

Inter officials jetted into England for talks with United on Thursday in order to thrash out a deal for top transfer target Lukaku, but negotiations proved unsuccessful.

Antonio Conte’s side have already had three proposals knocked back by the Premier League giants, who remain unmoved from their €85m (£76m) asking price of Lukaku.

Inter, who are about to make Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella one of the club’s most expensive buys in a €45m deal, need to raise funds to be able to afford Lukaku but are struggling to do so.

The Serie A outfit are running out of time to close a deal for Lukaku and have earmarked Frankfurt ace Rebic as a potential alternative to the Belgium international.

Rebic, who was linked with a move to United during Jose Mourinho’s time as manager, has spent the three years at Frankfurt, though the Bundesliga outfit only made his switch from Fiorentina permanent in 2018.

The 25-year-old has developed into a key player for club and country in the last 12 months and was valued at £44m at the time of United’s interest.

Rebic played a direct hand in 13 goals in 28 league appearances for Frankfurt last season (nine goals, four assists), five more than the previous campaign.