Inter Milan believe they are close to agreeing a deal to re-sign striker Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea.
It is understood that it is only a matter of time before the transfer is completed and there is no return for Lukaku at Chelsea.
Lukaku’s lawyer, Sebastien Ledure, is currently negotiating the move on his client’s behalf, with Lukaku’s contract with his agent Federico Pastorello expiring on June 30.
Pastorello had no role in the negotiations for Lukaku to return to San Siro.
The two clubs held talks last week over the exact make-up of the deal.
A source said Sky Sports News there was a €5m gap between the €10m Chelsea want and the €5m Inter want to pay in loan fees.
Chelsea paid Inter £97.5million to sign Lukaku last summer, but the Belgian has scored just eight Premier League goals in 26 appearances.
In December, Lukaku said Sky in Italy he wanted to return to Inter one day. He said: “I really hope deep in my heart to come back to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully earn more.”
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Belgium manager Roberto Martinez thinks Romelu Lukaku wants to enjoy his football next season after a difficult season with Chelsea
Last week it was revealed Inter could not afford to sign Lukaku – who scored 64 goals in 95 games and helped them win the Serie A title during his time at the club – on a permanent deal .
Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta says the club are “in no rush” about Lukaku’s potential return but remain keen to re-sign him this summer.
What positions are Chelsea targeting?
Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy:
Chelsea are pressing ahead with their summer recruitment plans now that the £4.25 billion takeover of the club by the Todd Boehly-led consortium has been completed.
The Blues have already reached a verbal agreement with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, with the Spanish club preferring a quick deal as they aim to balance their books before June 30.
Talks over a deal for Koundé collapsed last year, but there is optimism from all parties that it will be done this time around.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe is among a shortlist of central defensive options and is favored by Thomas Tuchel. Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol are also among those wanted.
Chelsea are keen on Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni but he is expected to end up at Real Madrid. Ibrahim Sangare of PSV is among the alternatives sought.
