That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced the Italian heavyweights at 1/3 to clinch Lukaku’s signature on a permanent basis before the transfer window closes in September.

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Inter saw their opening offer of £23million rejected by the Chelsea, who paid a colossal £97.5million for Lukaku in 2021.

Chelsea chiefs want to recoup as much of their original investment as possible, and are holding out for bids closer to the £40m region.

Juventus and Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal are reportedly monitoring the situation, but Lukaku’s preference is Inter, where he won the Serie A title in 2020-21.

A second proposal of £25.7m has now been submitted by Inter Milan with extra add-ons reportedly taking the overall deal closer to Chelsea’s £40m asking price.

The Evening Standard claim officials of both clubs are now in constant dialogue to complete a permanent deal as soon as possible.

The club are optimistic about their chances of bringing Lukaku back to the San Siro, and have already met with the player’s lawyer to discuss the situation.

Lukaku was scheduled to return to first-team training on Wednesday, but has been permitted another week’s absence from the Cobham Training Centre.

It’s thought that new manager Mauricio Pochettino is open to working with Lukaku, but that’s providing if he’s eager to stay and rebuild his career in West London.

The Blues are available at 7/2 to keep the 30-year-old, and ex-Manchester City full-back Nedum Onuoha thinks that’s a very real possibility.

He said: “He has all the attributes and I do not think he is done yet. I’d love to see him stay as he has a point to prove.

“I am sure he is very motivated to show people he’s the player that he was, rather than what people now think he is.”

A move to any Saudi Pro League club is available at 10/3, just ahead of Juventus at 7/2 with the majority of clubs bigger than 33/1 for an unlikely deal.

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