Manchester United are considering former striker Romelu Lukaku as an “alternative” to Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, according to Calciomercato.it.

The website claim in an ‘exclusive” that the Chelsea player could make a shock return to Old Trafford if things don’t work out with Zirkzee.

It has been reported that the Red Devils are willing to pay the Netherlands international’s €40m (£34m) buyout fee but there is still work to be done in terms of personal terms and agent commissions.

The forward’s release clause does expire in mid-August so if progress is not made over the next month or so, Erik ten Hag’s side may have to move on to other targets.

Lukaku is available

The 31-year-old spent last season out on loan at Roma but the Giallorossi have already decided that they cannot afford to sign the striker on a permanent basis.

Chelsea are said to be determined to offload Lukaku, having had to subsidise his wages for the last two years during his loans at both Inter and Roma.

They are reportedly demanding £37m from potential suitors, which has scared off Italian teams (including Antonio Conte’s Napoli) from making an approach. From a purely monetary standpoint, the fact that Lukaku would not cost much more than Zirkzee makes the deal possible, but other factors suggest it is unrealistic.

United are looking to sign young talent

The fact that the Red Devils are targeting Zirkzee as competition for Rasmus Hojlund demonstrates that the new recruitment department are not looking to buy established names.

Lukaku is now at the tail end of his career and, while you cannot deny he is effective in front of goal, it would be a shock if the current regime at the club decide to bring him back to Manchester.