Why Manchester United ended Dybala pursuit and what now for Lukaku?

No-go for Paulo  

Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Juventus striker Paulo Dybala, with the Telegraph reporting that United have pulled the plug due to their reservations about the Argentine’s desire to join the club, as well as his ‘huge’ wage demands. United had been discussing a deal which would see Romelu Lukaku join the Italian champions in turn, but the break down over Dybala – who was asking for £350,000-a-week according to the Independent – means Lukaku’s hopes of moving to Turin are all-but over. 

Inter to the rescue? 

Lukaku could yet head to Italy, with Inter head coach Antonio Conte admitting he is “very hopeful” of signing this Belgian this summer. Inter had been frontrunners before the idea of a swap with Dybala was mooted, and Conte said on Sunday – before news of Juve-United talks breaking down – that he was unsure as to how it would all play out.

I understand there are some gaps that need to be filled but at the moment I am very hopeful that this will happen, Conte said.

For sure Lukaku, we are talking about a good player, a striker that in the past I tried to buy when I was Chelsea’s coach. We’re talking about two big clubs, Juventus and Inter Milan, but honestly, I don’t know.

Mario the man for Man Utd? 

That replacement could come in the form of Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, with the Daily Mail reporting United are on the verge of signing the Croatian striker regardless of what happens with Dybala. Mandzukic has reportedly agreed a three-year contract which would see him earn around £120,000-a-week.