Inter Milan believe they have made a breakthrough in efforts to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United with the striker prepared to return to Italy this summer.
Hojlund, signed from Atalanta for £72million two seasons ago, is among the host of players up for sale at Old Trafford this summer.
The Dane scored a respectable 16 goals in his first season at the club but a desperately poor second campaign has forced United to consider their options.
While Juventus and Napoli have also been credited with interest in recent weeks, Inter have emerged as the front runners to sign the 22-year-old.
Gazzetta dello Sport report Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio was in London this week where talks also took place with club owners over efforts to lure Cesc Fabregas to the club to replace Simone Inzaghi.
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But the trip saw the club make progress in their bid to sign Hojlund after talks with United.
While the Premier League side have been eager to offload him on a permanent deal, the Nerazzurri are set to offer a loan with an option to buy for €45million – becoming an obligation to buy if certain conditions are triggered during the season.
While there is still some work ahead with no expectation a deal will be done in time for Hojlund to feature in the Club World Cup, Inter are confident Hojlund will join.
The Denmark international is happy to make the move back to Italy after a season with Atalanta, the report claims.
His departure would leave United with the options of Joshua Zirkzee, who scored just seven times last season, and 17-year-old Chido Obi up top.
United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and have submitted an opening offer for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo – two players who scored 35 top flight goals between them last season.
But a new centre forward is also on their list, particularly should Hojlund move on.
United were eager to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town only for the England Under-21 international to sign for Chelsea, a move which was confirmed on Monday night.
Ruben Amorim is keen to be reunited with Viktor Gyokeres, whose future remains uncertain despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
United also remain tentatively linked with Victor Osimhen, who is returning to Napoli after a season on loan at Galatasaray.
United have also been offered Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos by intermediaries.