Manchester United are prepared to sell Romelu Lukaku this week with signing a replacement.

The Manchester Evening News says United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said his preference is to recruit a replacement for any outgoings before the 5pm deadline on Thursday, but it is understood the nuances of the protracted Lukaku departure mean United could turn to their younger players to offset his possible sale.

Striker Mason Greenwood, 17, scored twice during United's pre-season tour and playmaker Angel Gomes, 18, netted the winner against Tottenham in Shanghai last month. Winger Tahith Chong, 19, has also excelled in pre-season as an impact substitute.

United could still make a late signing to offset the likely loss of Lukaku, but would not view it as a negative if they don't due to the encouraging emergence of their teenagers in pre-season.