Romelu Lukaku looks set to be one of the big names to depart Old Trafford this summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tries to rebuild his Manchester United side.
Other than Ander Herrera, who left the club to join PSG, Romelu Lukaku has probably been the most talked about player potentially heading for the exit door. Not all of these talks have just involved the Belgian though. New Inter Milan head coach Antonio Conte had to deny reports in his first full press conference as a manager that representatives from Inter have met with him.
The two did not cross paths during their respective short spells at the club. However, Lukaku has seen enough to claim Conte is the greatest current manager in the world.
Belgium’s all-time record goalscorer also claimed that playing Serie A would be a dream for him.
The striker appeared pretty unhappy at times during last season, going through a spell of not celebrating his goals. People also noted that Conte knows Lukaku’s game pretty well having watched him in the Premier League at first hand for two seasons. It does appear this rumour is more than just playground chit-chat, though.
Lukaku all but confirmed his Manchester United exit after Belgium’s 3-0 win over Scotland yesterday, a game in which he scored a brace, when talking to Sportmediaset.
"“As for my future, I have already made a decision that I still cannot communicate publicly out of respect for Manchester United with whom I have a contract.“I am a big Serie A fan, those close to me know that I have always wanted to play in the English league and in the Italian one, I love Italy. And then Cristiano Ronaldo arrived, Sarri will go to Juventus, Ancelotti is at Napoli – it will be an exciting Serie A.“The club and my agent will talk about it but I have already made my decision.”"
"“My agent will speak with Manchester United. I’ve already taken my decision. The club need to decide but my agent wants the best for me, I am sure it’ll be an agitated summer.”"
So, the ball is very much in Manchester United’s court. Does Ole Gunnar Solskjaer want to keep a striker who doesn’t want to be there? Knowing Lukaku’s attitude, I can assure you he will still give 100 per cent every match, but if Solskjaer is adamant on bringing in players who want to play for the badge, he can’t contradict himself by keeping players who don’t.
It will also become another area United need to strengthen in. Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku and then the likes of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood for back up, presents itself as a very talented foursome. But with Lukaku gone, Solskjaer will need to reinvest in an area he probably thought he could get away with spending money on.