Inter Milan

Antonio Conte has responded to comments made by Jose Mourinho after the Tottenham Hotspur manager appeared to criticise Inter Milan's boss for being too public in his pursuit of Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen—whose contract at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to expire at the end of this season—has been closely linked with a transfer to Inter, who are understood to be keen on securing a January deal.

Conte told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Metro) after Sunday's 1-1 draw away to Lecce: "I no longer talk about the transfer market. The last time I did it, someone we all know twisted my words, so I won't say anything anymore. I never said anything unusual about the January transfer market making it difficult for all coaches. Every time I say something, it always gets amplified or twisted."

Mourinho, 56, said he felt "coaches should all behave in the same way" after Conte appeared to hint at a move for soon-to-be out-of-contract Eriksen in the Italian media, per BBC Sport.

The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta had met with Eriksen's representatives in Milan to discuss a transfer:

Exclusive: Martin Shoots, agent of Christian Eriksen, just met Inter CEO Marotta in the center of Milan! Talks ongoing for the Danish midfielder - he’s getting closer to join Inter on next days. 🇩🇰 @SkySport #transfers #THFC #Inter #Eriksen #Tottenham pic.twitter.com/y2Gb2yhKla

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2020

Darren Wells of the Mirror wrote the two teams remain far apart in agreeing a transfer fee if Eriksen is to leave this month, however, with Spurs said to be seeking £20 million if they sell the playmaker.

Inter are second in Serie A and sit four points off leaders Juventus after drawing their last two games against Atalanta and Lecce.

Sportswriter Carlo Garganese pointed to Sunday's draw against struggling Lecce and suggested someone like Eriksen could have helped unlock the game:

Correct decision to overturn that Lecce penalty. Barella had his hand by his arm. Inter need to do much more second half. They've been slow and predictable & created little against Lecce's deep wall. Someone with Eriksen's guile would be useful #LECINT

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) January 19, 2020

Mourinho and Conte have a history from their time managing together in the Premier League. The Special One was at the Manchester United helm during the 2017-18 season when he referred to Conte as a clown and brought up his previous four-month ban while he was Juventus manager, per the Guardian.

Marotta was also recently asked about Eriksen's chances of a move to the San Siro and gave a seemingly upbeat review of the situation. 

The 62-year-old said: "He [Eriksen] is a Tottenham player, but we know his contract expires in June. It's completely legitimate and authorised by current regulations to see his agent during this time. But at this point, to say that he will arrive in January or June, is a long way off because the competition is so great."

Eriksen joined Spurs from Ajax in 2013 and has long been considered a key player in north London, but he's started just three of 11 Premier League games since Mourinho took charge in November.

Spurs are at risk of losing Eriksen for nothing if the player runs down his contract until June. Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard blamed Tottenham for not managing better the situations of those players who were now losing sale value:

It’s obviously a mistake in hindsight but not selling others at their peak (Rose, Dier and Eriksen) has been more costly in terms of where the squad is now.

— Dan Kilpatrick (@Dan_KP) January 18, 2020

Conte is no longer a direct rival to Mourinho and can afford to take the high road rather than engage in a public spat, but any bad blood could be intensified should the Italian succeed in signing Eriksen this month.

Inter Milan confirmed the signing of Manchester United's Ashley Young on Friday. 

Inter welcomed the new addition on Twitter:

👕 | SHIRT

Here's the number selected by @youngy18! 1️⃣5️⃣⚫️🔵#WelcomeAshley #NotForEveryone pic.twitter.com/BgLQL49id2

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) January 17, 2020

According to BBC Sport's Simon Stone, Young moves for a fee of £1.28 million, and the deal includes an add-on fee which will be activated if Inter win Serie A in 2019-20. 

The switch brings an end to an eight-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford for the England international.

He joined United from Aston Villa in 2011 having established himself as one of the most exciting wide players in the Premier League.

During his time at the club, Young endured ups and downs. In his first season, he was impressive, starring in a memorable 8-2 win over Arsenal with two goals. Young was also part of the Red Devils squad that clinched the Premier League title in 2012-13.

He was pushed to the peripheries of the squad under Louis van Gaal and early in Jose Mourinho's reign as manager.

But having adapted himself into a utility full-back, he re-established his role as a first-team regular under the Portuguese boss and maintained that position when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over in December 2018.

During both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Young played in 30 of United's 38 Premier League games, and back in August, after Antonio Valencia left the club, he was named club captain.

However, the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and emergence of Brandon Williams have made the full-back positions at United much more competitive this term—Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are also options. 

It is no surprise that Young has opted to move on after almost a decade with the Manchester giants:

I won't miss Ashley Young and I wouldn't call him a United legend but his service and conduct deserve respect. He never let the club down, always conducted himself off the pitch with class and is an exceptional pro, like most ex Utd players, I wish him all the very best.

— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) January 17, 2020

While Inter won't be acquiring a footballer that can dart down the line and dazzle opposition full-backs anymore, they will be getting an experienced and versatile option.

Young has done a decent job for United in a number of roles in recent years. When deployed in a more advanced berth, his nifty footwork and crossing ability will also come in handy.

He will need to hit the ground running at his first club outside of England, as Inter are embroiled in a fierce title battle with Juventus.

Lautaro Martinez has said he's settled at Inter Milan after reportedly being linked as a transfer target for Barcelona.

The Argentina international has credited the arrival of Antonio Conte last summer as the catalyst for change at the San Siro, saying the coach "lives for the game."

Speaking to Argentinian sports channel TyC Sports (h/t Football Italia), Martinez explained he feels appreciated at his club:

"Today, I defend the Inter shirt. I am very happy here, people love me. If there are these kinds of [transfer] rumours, it only means that I am doing well.

"I must continue down this path. It's the mentality I have when I go to sleep. I am very calm, very happy and feel comfortable at Inter."

Per Ignasi Oliva Gispert of Goal, Barca have considered the 22-year-old as a replacement for Luis Suarez after the Uruguay striker was recently injured, but the Spanish champions are reportedly more likely to make a summer move for Inter's rising star. The forward has a €111 million release clause that is only active for two weeks in July.

The former Racing Club striker, who moved to Inter two summers ago, also elaborated on the impact Conte has had on him and the team:

"A lot has changed, a new coach arrived, one who lives for the game in a very special way. He has given us so much from his first day here.

"He convinced all the players and the people who work here to give their all. And the results are evident.

"With this coach, I have grown a lot and that's why I enjoy this moment that I'm living right now."

The signing of Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United has presented Martinez with the perfect partner up front for the Nerazzurri, who are two points off Juventus atop Serie A.

He has benefited playing as the No. 10 behind Lukaku, and Conte has gotten the best out of his strike force. Martinez has netted 15 goals in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League this season and, in the process, has become one of the most exciting talents in Europe after scoring just seven times last term.

Signing Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen during the January transfer window would be a major coup for Inter Milan. Wrapping up both deals may seem like a tall order, but Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio says there is optimism at the club things can be done. 

Ausilio was asked about Inter's attempts to reinforce the squad this winter, per Sky Sports: "No important news, we have confidence in our work and not only for these two players."

His expression of confidence represents a stark contrast to the recent thoughts of Antonio Conte. The manager had said funds are lacking for new signings, per Goal's James Westwood.

A hefty transfer budget may not be needed to sign either Giroud or Eriksen, though. Both are on the outside looking in with their current clubs.

Eriksen has already been the subject of a bid from the team second in Serie A, but Spurs want twice the amount offered, per Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian:

Inter have offered Christian Eriksen a contract to join the club on a free transfer next summer and are exploring the possibility of making a bid to get him this window, according to @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/j7wrQkzvOL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2020

Meanwhile, Sky Italia (h/t Football.London's Robert Warlow and Joe Doyle) reported Giroud has agreed personal terms with Inter, but a fee hasn't been settled on with Chelsea.

Eriksen has been merely a bit-part player for the Lilywhites this season, after declaring his desire to leave the club last summer. The 27-year-old has made just 10 starts and eight appearances off the substitutes bench, but he's still scored two goals and provided as many assists.

He was on the pitch when Spurs lost 1-0 at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday. As many noted, Eriksen's actions after the full-time whistle looked like a goodbye gesture to the Tottenham faithful:

I didn't see it but I've now had two different people tell me Christian Eriksen handed his shirt to someone in the South Stand, waved to the crowd and then instead of walking across the pitch to the tunnel, walked around the touchline waving to the fans along the way. A goodbye?

— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) January 11, 2020

Here's the start of that post-match Christian Eriksen moment people have been talking about, captured by @RachelVMartin. pic.twitter.com/6621W50UdS

— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) January 11, 2020

Conte knows how valuable Eriksen can be from his two seasons in charge of Chelsea. Eriksen would add a bit more guile and vision to a workmanlike Inter midfield underpinned by Marcelo Brozovic.

Yet letting Eriksen go this month would be a risky proposition for a Spurs squad dealing with a few injuries. The walking wounded includes midfield powerhouse Moussa Sissoko, who is set for a lengthy spell on the treatment table following knee surgery.

Tottenham's depleted numbers were supplemented on Wednesday by the arrival of Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan deal from Benfica, per the club's official website.

Fernandes will add athleticism and versatility to the engine room, but Eriksen's technique and eye for a pass would surely be missed. Letting him go would increase the burden on Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso to carry the creative load.

Giroud's value to Chelsea has become less obvious since Frank Lampard took charge last summer. Lampard has made youth the focus of his team, and in 22-year-old Tammy Abraham, he has a prolific attacking talisman with 15 goals to his credit in all competitions.

Abraham's most obvious deputy is Michy Batshuayi, who offers the pace Giroud lacks. Yet while the Frenchman appears surplus to requirements, he's proved his worth in the past.

Giroud's aerial power and ability to link with runners from midfield made him an instant hit with the Blues when he arrived from London rivals Arsenal in early 2018. His goals helped Conte's men win the FA Cup the same year, while he was also prolific en route to helping Chelsea lift last season's UEFA Europa League trophy:

Most goals and assists in European competition in 2018/19:

Lionel Messi
👕10 games
⚽️12 goals
🅰️3 assists

Olivier Giroud
👕14 games
⚽️11 goals
🅰️ 4 assists

But only one of them won a trophy at the end of it. 😉 pic.twitter.com/OkTGo2wHHQ

— William Hill (@WilliamHill) January 14, 2020

Signing Giroud would give Conte a natural backup for main frontman Romelu Lukaku. His partnership with Lautaro Martinez has helped the Nerazzurri becomes the main challengers to Juventus in the Italian top flight.

Bolstering depth up front, while adding more creativity to midfield, would boost Inter's chances of overcoming a two-point deficit and breaking Juve's grip on the title.

Antonio Conte has said Inter Milan "must find cheap opportunities" in the January transfer window because "there is not much money" available for bolstering the squad. 

Speaking after the Nerazzurri's 4-1 Coppa Italia win over Cagliari, Conte hinted Inter are planning to do business in the winter window, but he played down the profile of the players they will target, per Goal's James Westwood:

"There is not much money, the director has been clear. We must be good at finding situations that can bring us benefits. We must find cheap opportunities, otherwise I see it being hard. The ideas are there. If there is the possibility, we will improve. What you can't get with money you have to get with intelligence and wit."

Inter have been strongly linked with Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen and have reportedly offered him a deal to sign in the summer when his contract in north London has expired:

Inter have offered Christian Eriksen a contract to join the club on a free transfer next summer and are exploring the possibility of making a bid to get him this window, according to @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/j7wrQkzvOL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2020

According to Westwood, Spurs are demanding £17 million from Inter if they want to sign him six months early.

Based on Conte's comments, it is unlikely Inter have that kind of cash available. They do need to bolster their squad, though.

The 50-year-old Italian has done an excellent job at the San Siro since joining in May 2019 as Luciano Spalletti's successor.

Under Conte in 2019-20, Inter have matched eight-time defending champions Juventus almost blow for blow and are in with a genuine chance of winning a first Scudetto since 2010:

#SerieATIM update after 19 matchdays. 📊⤵️#WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/mjxpI9C4uf

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 13, 2020

However, squad depth could be a defining factor in the title race this term. Both Juve and Inter will be fighting for silverware on multiple fronts in the second half of the season, meaning both will need to rely on their full squads.

In that respect, the Old Lady have a definite edge because Maurizio Sarri has quality cover across the entire pitch.

Just look at £67.5 million signing Matthijs de Ligt, who has been warming the bench recently due to the excellent form of the now-injured Merih Demiral:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1208787479442132994

That depth will pay dividends for Juve when Sarri is able to rotate and rest key players at the business end of the campaign.

In order to match Juventus in that respect, Inter will need to make January additions, but a lack of funds will make it difficult for Conte to make impactful signings. 

Arturo Vidal is a key target for Inter Milan in the January transfer window, according to the Serie A leaders' general manager, Giuseppe Marotta. 

The Chilean midfielder has long been linked with the Milan giants, and Marotta has now confirmed he is on the club's radar as they look to strengthen ahead of the second half of 2019-20, per Sam France of Goal:

"Vidal is one of our targets. As for [Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian] Eriksen, the market closes at the end of January. We're working hard, but to improve the quality of our squad, important signings are needed, and it's for this obvious reason that there are difficulties."

Under manager Antonio Conte, Inter have set the pace in Serie A for much of this season.

They are the biggest threat Juventus have faced during their eight-season stranglehold on the Scudetto. The Nerazzurri cannot afford any slip-ups, though, because they are only ahead of the Old Lady on goal difference:

#SerieATIM update after 18 matchdays. 📊⤵️#WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/J5QBuzdN06

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 6, 2020

Juve's squad is superb and packed with players who have gone the distance in title races before. Their star man, Cristiano Ronaldo, also looks to be hitting his stride:

5 - For the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in five games in a row with Juventus in Serie A. Continuous. #JuveCagliari

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 6, 2020

Cristiano Ronaldo: Has scored a second half hat-trick vs Cagliari -- It's his first ever Serie A treble for Juventus and first in the league since February 2018 pic.twitter.com/bLARZ1KryF

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 6, 2020

Vidal is a proven winner and leader. The 32-year-old has won titles with Barca, Bayern Munich and Juventus, as well as Colo-Colo in his native Chile.

He has fallen down the pecking order at the Camp Nou in 2019-20 because of the signing of Frenkie de Jong and increasing importance of Arthur.

Vidal has started only four of Barca's 19 La Liga games and two out of six in the UEFA Champions League. 

Conte and Inter can likely offer him more opportunities than that. He will only be a short-term signing given he is in the latter stages of his career, however. But if Vidal can help Inter to win a first title since 2010, he would be worth the premium that is often added to signings in January. 

Inter Milan are reportedly in transfer talks with Manchester United over a January move for captain Ashley Young, according to Sky in Italy:

BREAKING: Inter Milan are in talks with Manchester United over signing Ashley Young, according to Sky in Italy.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 7, 2020

Antonio Conte's side are willing to offer the versatile 34-year-old an 18-month contract at the club, per the report (h/t Sky Sports News).

Young joined Manchester United from Aston Villa in 2011. His contract expires in the summer, and he does not expect to be offered a new deal, according to Rob Dawson at ESPN FC.

The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano said Young is ready to accept Inter's offer and is wanted by the manager:

Inter Milan have asked for Ashley Young. Talks ongoing with Man United - the player is ready to accept. Antonio Conte wants him strongly.  #MUFC #ManUnited #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2020

Manchester United and Inter Milan appear to have a good working relationship. The Red Devils sold Romelu Lukaku to the Nerazzurri and allowed Alexis Sanchez to move to the San Siro on a season-long loan last summer.

The Red Devils are also likely to be willing to wave goodbye to Young. The 34-year-old can play on either flank at full-back or further forward, but he has been criticised for some poor performances in recent seasons.

Young was even booed by his own supporters in a 1-0 win over Inter in Singapore during the club's pre-season tour, per Simon Peach at The Independent.

United already have younger options at full-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was signed from Crystal Palace in June 2019 and has emerged as the club's first-choice right-back, with Diogo Dalot available as back-up.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Brandon Williams is enjoying a breakthrough season at left-back and looks set to rival Luke Shaw for a starting spot:

Brandon Williams vs Burnley:

89% pass accuracy
39/44 passes completed
6 times possession won
3 clearances
3 fouls won
2 chances created

The teenager was voted Man Utd’s man of the match 👏 pic.twitter.com/ntpp9aEO4p

— GOAL (@goal) December 28, 2019

Since Young is entering the final months of his current contract, he is free to talk to other clubs. He caught Conte's eye during his time in charge of Chelsea, according to Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News:

Ashley Young not in #mufc squad tonight and understand he's not injured. Antonio Conte tried to sign him when he was Chelsea manager on deadline day in 2017.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 7, 2020

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave little away when asked about Young's future after the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday:

OGS on Ashley Young: "Tonight is not the time to talk about players leaving. We can’t weaken ourselves we have to strengthen ourselves."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 7, 2020

Young would not be the first Manchester United defender to move to Italy this season if he were to join Inter. Chris Smalling went on loan to Roma in August and has shone with the Giallorossi, which may help convince Young to make the switch to Serie A.

Lautaro Martinez has said he's "happy at Inter" amid recent speculation linking him with a possible move to Barcelona. 

The Argentina international has reportedly caught the eye of the Catalan club, and it was suggested in December that the player's agent held talks with Blaugrana officials when Inter met the La Liga side in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking after Inter's impressive 3-1 win over Napoli on Monday, Martinez said he's content with life in Milan at the moment, per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia).

"I am doing my best at Inter. I only focus on giving my all on the pitch," said the 22-year-old. "I am happy at Inter. I try to work hard and stay focused. That's my goal with this club."

It was reported recently that Inter are seeking to tie Martinez down to a new deal, as he has a release clause in his current contract of €111 million (£94 million).

If the forward continues to perform to the same level, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a high-profile side meet that amount in an upcoming transfer window. Martinez was on the scoresheet in the win at the San Paolo, as Inter continued to keep pace with Juventus at the top of Serie A:

🔵⚫ Lautaro Martinez restores Inter's two goal lead!

🙌 The Nerazzurri's deadly duo up front have tormented Napoli tonight pic.twitter.com/aqAeTDmwPn

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 6, 2020

This season, Martinez and Romelu Lukaku have linked up to great effect for the Nerazzurri:

16 - #Lukaku and #Lautaro Martínez are the couple to have scored the most on the road in the Top-5 European Leagues 2019-20: 16 goals (10 Lukaku, 6 Lautaro). Tandem.#NapoliInter pic.twitter.com/FVo4TYLPt3

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 6, 2020

The striker was frequently used as a back-up option last season, although this term he's been able to establish himself as a regular in Antonio Conte's side.

He's showcased his goalscoring potency, netting nine goals in Serie A already this season. However, there is so much more to the youngster's game; he's adept at dropping into space, running the channels and giving Inter creativity in the opposition third.

Spanish football writer Andy West was impressed with the forward's recent performance in Inter's loss to Barcelona, suggesting he'd be an ideal replacement for the club's current No. 9, Luis Suarez:

Lautaro Martinez didn't deserve to lose. Non-stop running, positive attitude, some lovely touches and unlucky with a couple of shots and two offside goals. Perhaps the strongest candidate as a long-term Luis Suarez replacement. Even got the same ferocious free-kick appeal.

— Andy West (@andywest01) December 10, 2019

According to Transfermarkt, at the moment Martinez is the most valuable player in Serie A:

https://twitter.com/IFTVofficial/status/1209546002048462848

Given Suarez is 32, Barcelona will surely be looking for a long-term Suarez replacement, and Martinez has all the tools to play for a club of that status in the future.

However, at this point it's understandable that the forward is in no rush to move on. Under the guidance of Conte, he's taken his game on to a different level and is spearheading a charge for the Serie A title. It means Barcelona will need to part with a huge sum if they're to prise him away from the San Siro eventually.

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has said his time at Manchester United made him "much calmer" and that he benefited from his Old Trafford experience before leaving for Italy.

The Belgium international joined United in July 2017 for an initial £75 million, but he moved on to link up with Antonio Conte's side this past summer and has enjoyed a return to his scoring best.

Lukaku, 26, told reporters at the Global Soccer Gala in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: "The period there had made me calmer. I don't look at it in a negative way; it really helped me mentally to be ready and to grow as a player and as a person. I will never see it as a bad experience because it helped me be where I am today."

Lazio frontman Ciro Immobile leads the Serie A goal charts with 17 goals this season and is the only player to have scored more than Lukaku (12 goals) thus far in his maiden Italian campaign.

Inter are level on points with Serie A leaders Juventus and only trail via head-to-head record. Lukaku illustrated his importance to Conte's plans just before the Christmas break, when he scored his 200th career club goal in a 4-0 victory over Genoa.

The forward continued to discuss his development as a result of the challenges he faced at United, for whom he scored 42 goals in 96 appearances (0.44 goals per game):

https://twitter.com/RomeluLukaku9/status/1208527733774602241

"Clearly now that I'm at Inter there are benefits from what I learned in Manchester both from a sporting and non-sporting point of view.

"I prepared a lot and I am much calmer. In my head, there is much more serenity and composure.

"I am a person who when things are not going well, shows it through so much anger. I'm stronger after the Manchester United experience."

The Red Devils parted ways with Lukaku as they looked to move in a different direction with their attack, and it now appears as though the separation has yielded positives for all parties involved.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have adopted a quicker forward line consisting of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James, who have looked like a more menacing threat in the Premier League. 

Lukaku scored a career-high 27 goals during his maiden campaign at Old Trafford, but scrutiny over his performances grew after he bagged just 15 times in 45 appearances last season:

Manchester United wore down Romelu Lukaku. pic.twitter.com/5pIjB18kwA

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 23, 2019

He's almost matched that figure this term having scored 14 goals in only 22 appearances for the Nerazzurri, regaining the kind of swagger that previously made him such a hit at Goodison Park.

Lukaku scored two and assisted another in the recent hammering of Genoa, where his second strike demonstrated the return of his confidence, via Premier Sports (UK viewers only):

This Lukaku finish though... 🎯

His brace at the weekend moves him up to 12 Serie goals for the season, second place behind Lazio's Ciro Immobile 👏 pic.twitter.com/rirkGvVtcv

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 23, 2019

His time in Italy hasn't been without incident, however, and Lukaku also told reporters at the Global Soccer Gala he would like to see cameras used in Serie A to identify racist abuse, having been subjected to such behaviour already. The Belgium international had monkey chants aimed at him from sections of the Cagliari fanbase in September during a 2-1 away victory for Inter.

Lukaku's current scoring pace suggests he's on track to break his own single-season scoring record in his first term with Inter, using his struggles with United as an aid to fire his way back to the top.  

Romelu Lukaku has said Cristiano Ronaldo told him Serie A is the "hardest defensive league in the world" after the striker swapped Manchester United for Inter Milan in the summer transfer window. 

The striker told Rory Smith at the New York Times that he spoke to the Juventus forward ahead of kick-off when the two clubs met at the San Siro for a league clash in October:

"He told me this is the hardest defensive league in the world. He said he'd scored goals everywhere, but this was the toughest place to do it. And if Cristiano Ronaldo thinks it's difficult, then it must be really difficult. It's harder than England. The football is more intense there, but here everything is pattern of play."

Lukaku left the Red Devils in the summer transfer window after two seasons to join Inter Milan on a five-year deal for a club-record fee of €80 million (£74 million), per BBC Sport.

The Belgium international scored 42 goals in 96 games for the Red Devils but only 15 of those came in his final season as he fell out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Lukaku has thrived since joining the Nerazzurri and has hit the ground running with Antonio Conte's side:

8 - Romelu #Lukaku is the first Inter player to score at least 8 goals in the first 11 league match-days and in his first season for the Nerazzurri since #Ronaldo in 1997/98 (9 goals in that case). Lethal. #BolognaInter

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) November 2, 2019

He has formed a strong partnership with Lautaro Martinez in attack, particularly away from home:

13 - Romelu Lukaku (eight) and Lautaro Martínez (five) have scored 13 away goals combined in Serie A current season, only two sides have netted more so far (excluding Inter). Export. pic.twitter.com/zzbc4olbkY

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) November 25, 2019

The duo's goals have helped fire the team to the top of the Serie A table, level on points with defending champions Juventus heading into the winter break.

The 26-year-old has 12 league goals to his name in 2019-20, two more than Ronaldo. Lazio's Ciro Immobile is the only player to have scored more than Lukaku in Italy's top flight so far this season.

Squawka Football compared his form to last season at Manchester United:

Romelu Lukaku has now scored as many league goals for Inter this season as he managed for Man Utd last campaign.

2018/19: 32 games, 12 goals
2019/20: 17 games, 12 goals

Back doing what he does best. pic.twitter.com/VefA650WCK

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 21, 2019

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez told Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) that Lukaku is enjoying success in Italy because "there's a feeling between him and Conte" and he is "more at ease."

Lukaku has often faced criticism throughout his career for missing chances but is enjoying a new lease of life in Serie A where Conte seems to be getting the best out of the 26-year-old.