Manchester United have reportedly moved a step closer to signing Inter Milan midfielder Ivan Perisic, with the Italian club opening talks with Lazio over the transfer of Keita Balde Diao.

Man United have been strongly linked with a move for Perisic over the last couple of weeks, although Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio recently insisted that the Croatian would not be moving to Old Trafford this summer.

Perisic is said to be determined to force a move to the 20-time English champions, however, and according to Premium Sport, Inter are now preparing for the attacker's departure with the arrival of Keita from Italian rivals Lazio.

Perisic joined Inter from Wolfsburg in 2015, and the versatile attacker has scored 20 times in 79 appearances for the Italian outfit, including 11 goals in 42 appearances during the 2016-17 campaign.

The 28-year-old is currently in Croatia after being given permission to leave Inter's pre-season tour over the weekend to treat a "tooth abscess".