Football
Andrew Cesare Richardson 5y

Source: Lukaku eyes Utd exit amid Inter links

Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku, a target for Inter Milan this summer, is open to a move if he can join a club which would offer him an integral role in the team, a source has told ESPN FC.

New Inter boss Antonio Conte has made the Belgium international his main transfer target this summer, and Lukaku recently labelled the Italian "the best manager in the world" -- adding that he "always dreamed" of playing in Serie A.

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The source told ESPN that, while Lukaku is not pushing to leave, he feels the time is right for a new challenge and would like to join a club which would make him the centre of their project.

Lukaku would like a more important role in the first team -- similar to his status with the Belgium national side, where he is an integral part of manager Roberto Martinez's lineup.

He joined United from Everton for an initial £75 million in 2017 and became a regular in then boss Jose Mourinho's team.

However, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the ex-Real Madrid manager in December, Marcus Rashford has been the preferred central striker with Lukaku often being used off the bench.

Belgium boss Martinez has urged Lukaku to leave United this summer, suggesting the move would benefit both the player and the club.

"I think it is clear he [Lukaku] is ready for a new challenge," Martinez told HLN. "In his case, a transfer would be good for both the player and the club.

"And if two parties benefit from it, a move away usually happens. Serie A seems to be a good choice for him, although I think he can handle any league.

"I certainly don't think his transfer to Manchester United is a failure. The team did not perform to its capabilities and important players -- such as Romelu, but also Paul Pogba -- were targeted."

ESPN FC have contacted Manchester United for comment.

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