CHELSEA have rejected an initial loan bid of £5million from Inter Milan for wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.
The Blues are said to be demanding a loan fee of £20million for Lukaku, 29.
Inter will return with an improved offer for their former top goalscorer in the coming days.
The deal on the table includes an extra almost £2m in add-ons, depending on Lukaku’s performances should the move take place.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims there will be additional discussions between the two clubs on Friday to try and finalise negotiations.
He tweeted: “Chelsea and Inter will have a new direct contact [on Friday] for Romelu Lukaku.
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“First bid for €5m plus €2m add-ons turned down, but Inter are prepared to improve their proposal.
“Chelsea are waiting for Inter’s new bid to decide on Lukaku’s future soon.”
On Thursday, Inter chief Alessandro Antonello has revealed there is a “great desire” on the part of Lukaku to return to the club.
Lukaku left Inter last summer to return to Chelsea for a club record transfer fee having helped them win the Scudetto.
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The Belgian international netted 24 goals in Inter‘s title-winning campaign, and formed a formidable partnership with Lautaro Martinez.
The Serie A side also want to reunite with Lukaku but the finances involved put doubt on a deal being done.
The Italian giants cannot afford to sign him permanently despite Lukaku being willing to take a pay cut.
That means a loan is the more realistic option with Inter willing to pay a respectable fee – but £20m is reputedly more than they can afford.
Lukaku understands he may have to remain at Stamford Bridge as a result and is believed to be accepting of that fate despite it not being his preference.
