By Oyinlola Awonuga-Balogun (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Manchester City could make a shocking move for former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku spent two seasons at United, scoring 42 goals in 96 games. However, the Red Devils eventually decided he was not the player they wanted to lead them forward.
That decision could be questioned, with Lukaku since proving his worth in Italy with Inter Milan netting 34 goals from 51 games for Inter last season.
So far this season he has already found the back of the net 17 times from 22 games.
The Belgium international has shown himself to be one of the best strikers in the world and his form could earn him a return to the Premier League.
Lukaku had spent the bulk of his career playing in England before joining Inter, with spells at Chelsea, West Brom and Everton, as well as United.
Now, according to The Telegraph, Lukaku is on Manchester City’s transfer shortlist.
City are looking for a long-term solution up front, as Sergio Aguero is in the final few months of his contract. It is not yet clear if their all-time record goalscorer will extend his stay.
Even if he does stay, City need to start thinking about a long-term successor. They could turn to a former rival to do so.
The Telegraph claim that Pep Guardiola will be given a budget of £200m to spend on transfers in the summer. Signing a new striker will be a priority.
There are three names on his shortlist. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Inter’s Lukaku are all in consideration.
A return to the Premier League would be a surprising move for Lukaku, who is under contract in Italy until 2024 and seems to have found a home at Inter.
However, City may try to tempt him to head back to England and cross the Manchester divide.
