Chelsea
and Inter Milan were locked in talks on Friday as they tried to agree a
transfer deal for Romelu Lukaku.
The negotiations are expected to lead to Chelsea making an improved third
bid for the Belgium striker.
Chelsea's second bid of £85m plus Marcos Alonso was rejected by Inter on
Monday.
The latest talks are centred on finding a compromise that would satisfy all
parties, with a cash deal paid in instalments and a cash-plus-player deal
being discussed.
Chelsea would prefer a deal that includes player(s) while Inter would prefer
a cash-only deal, but both parties are working towards a quick resolution.
Inter are expected to agree to sell Lukaku if the reigning European
champions offer a deal worth £102m (€120m).
Sky Sports News reported on Wednesday Lukaku has told Inter he would like
them to accept a suitable offer for him from his former club.
Premier League rivals Manchester City had also registered their interest in
signing the 28-year-old earlier this year, but no offer was made as Inter
showed no intention of selling at the time.
What does Lukaku deal mean for Haaland?
Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth:
"It's a very good question as Chelsea were very interested in Haaland. Who
knows, they could still be interested. Could you see a situation where they
could try to break the bank by bringing in Haaland and Romelu Lukaku? That
seems unlikely.
"This could drag on into next summer. Borussia Dortmund have said there's no
gentleman's agreement with Haaland as there was with Jadon Sancho. All of
the noises coming out of Germany are saying Dortmund won't sell both those
players in the same transfer window.
"Haaland has a release clause that kicks in next summer. With Man City in
for Harry Kane and Chelsea in for Lukaku, where does that leave those two
clubs with regards to Haaland? Maybe they both feel they could pair those
players with Haaland but next summer there will be more clubs who could
afford him."
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