Transfer News: Lookman suffers major blow

Inter are reportedly set to end their pursuit of Ademola Lookman after negotiations with Atalanta have failed to advance for up to two weeks. 

The 27-year-old is keen on joining the Nerazzurri after reaching an agreement on personal terms on a five-year deal worth 4.5 million annually. However, they failed to match Atalanta's €50 million ask, failing to go beyond the €45 million package in their second bid. 

The Nigerian star took drastic steps to force the move, submitting a transfer request and a public statement and even going on strike. However, Atalanta refused to budge, and Inter seem to have given up. 

According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, the Champions League finalists will contact the Nigerian's agent within the next 24 hours to inform them that they will not be pursuing signing Lookman any further. 

Inter have had two bids rejected for the Super Eagles star, the first being €40 million and the other, a €45 million offer. La Dea have insisted on a proposal on or above the €50 million mark, and Inter did not attempt to match it since their second bid was rebuffed two weeks ago. 

The Nerazzurri chairman Beppe Marotta, earlier in their pursuit of Lookman, said that they will not continue negotiating until the end of the window and will back off if Inter rejected what became the €45 million deal. The report from Fabrizio suggests they are staying true to their word. 

As Pulse Sports reported, Inter are working on signing Roma midfielder Manu Kone, with the money initially put aside to complete the acquisition of Ademola Lookman, lending credence to the reports that they have jettisoned plans to buy the Nigerian.