Inter Milan reportedly remain optimistic about their chances of signing Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United this summer.
Official talks between the two clubs began earlier this week, but they remain at least £12m apart in their valuation of the striker, while the structure of the deal is also a point of contention.
United are demanding at least £75m for the Belgium international - with some reports claiming that they could up their asking price to around £90m - whereas Inter's latest proposal is worth just £63m spread over two years.
The Serie A outfit are keen to take Lukaku on a two-year loan before making the move permanent - a proposal United are not particularly keen on but have not ruled out completely.
However, despite still being some way apart on a couple of major aspects of the negotiation, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inter remain confident of striking an agreement eventually.
The Nerazzurri are willing to be patient in their pursuit and no longer expect the move to be completed by the time they face United in the International Champions Cup next Saturday, but they are optimistic it will go through this summer.
The report also claims that Inter are still in talks with Roma over a deal for Edin Dzeko but remain €8m (£7.2m) short of the €20m (£18m) asking price.
Barney Corkhill
