Inter Milan are reportedly hopeful of spreading any payment for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku over a period of three years.

Official talks between the two clubs have now begun, with United open to selling the Belgian, Inter desperate to sign him and Lukaku himself keen on a move to San Siro.

However, the transfer fee remains a sticking point in negotiations, with United holding out for at least £75m whereas Inter's proposals so far have come closer to the £60m mark.

Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Italian outfit are looking to lessen the initial financial outlay by offering a deal that would see them pay the sum over a three-year period.

Inter are proposing guaranteed payments of £20m each year between now and 2021 to create an eventual transfer fee of £60m, which could rise to £70m with add-ons and bonuses.

However, United are expected to give that offer short shrift and remain keen for a straight cash deal which would see them paid the full amount this summer.

Inter would struggle to afford that without selling players first, although Mauro Icardi has been heavily linked with an exit in order to raise funds for Lukaku.