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Man Utd news: Antonio Conte told Real Madrid he wanted Romelu Lukaku transfer
MANCHESTER UNITED star Romelu Lukaku would have become a Real Madrid transfer target had Antonio Conte got his way, reports claim.
Jose Mourinho: Lukaku in training ahead of Manchester derby
Manchester United forward Lukaku was wanted by Conte during his time at Chelsea, with the Italian earmarking the Belgium international as a priority transfer target.
However, the Red Devils gazumped him on that occasion by paying a huge £75million to sign the powerhouse from Everton.
Lukaku’s Manchester United form this season has been erratic, however, with the player recently being dropped for their Premier League win against the Toffees.
Alexis Sanchez, the club’s highest earner on wages of £390,000-a-week, has also looked resurgent in Lukaku's absence.
But Bleacher Report claim that, despite his current issues, Conte would have wanted him at Real Madrid.
The Italian was lined up to replace Julen Lopetegui when the Spaniard was sacked last month.
However, he was reportedly overlooked after issuing some big demands to the Bernabeu board.
Players such as Sergio Ramos and Thibaut Courtois also reportedly had issues with his appointment.
Despite that, though, Bleacher Report suggest Conte was planning for the Real job.
And United hitman Lukaku would have become a leading candidate to replace Karim Benzema up top.
Benzema’s best days look behind him despite him impressing under interim boss Santiago Solari.
But Real, for now, look set to give the job to Solari on a full-time basis.
Lukaku is currently battling to be fit for United’s crunch clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
And, speaking earlier today, Jose Mourinho has provided an update on his condition.
"Lukaku is training with the team this morning,” the United boss said.
"If the answer is positive - and we have of course one more session tomorrow - he is ready.
“In this moment, I can only say that he trains with the team."