Inter Milan 'very hopeful of signing Romelu Lukaku'

Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte has revealed that he is "very hopeful" of bringing Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku to the club in this summer's transfer window.

The Italian giants have been strongly linked with a move for Lukaku over the last few weeks.

However, it had been thought that Juventus had moved to the head of the queue, with the Serie A champions reportedly agreeing a swap deal involving Paulo Dybala.

United are believed to have pulled the plug on a move for Dybala, though, leaving Juve's hopes of signing Lukaku in severe doubt.

Conte has now provided an update on Inter's pursuit of the unsettled striker, claiming that he is "very hopeful" of being able to sign the 26-year-old.

"We continue to work on it in the best possible way. I understand there are some gaps that need to be filled but at the moment I am very hopeful that this will happen," Conte told reporters. "At the same time, I'm working with a great group of players that gives me lots of satisfaction."

Inter are believed to be preparing a new £65m bid for Lukaku in the hope of convincing United to sell in the latter stages of the English transfer window.