Reports in England and Italy state that Manchester United are leading the race for free agent Fernando Llorente, which could let Inter capture Romelu Lukaku.

Llorente is a free agent after his contract in North London expired and United would have until the end of August to register their striker in the squad – and not be forced to hurry it up for the 8 August transfer deadline for English top-flight clubs.

The 34-year-old netted eight goals and provided five assists in just 1,238 minutes of action last season and he was previously linked to Barcelona this summer.

Ernesto Valverde also coached the experienced striker during their spell together in Athletic Club Bilbao and he is out of contract this summer, meaning he would not cost a transfer fee.

According to Sky Sport Italia, former Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur striker Llorente is close to agreeing personal terms with Manchester United.

If the Spaniard does go to Old Trafford, it’d give Manchester United more leeway to sell Lukaku, as they’d have a replacement in-house.

Inter Milan reportedly made another offer on Tuesday for Lukaku, at €73m, and it was rejected.

If Manchester United, according to Football Italia, sign Llorente, then they could reconsider the Inter bid for the Belgian.