Manchester United will try to sign Ivan Perisic before Internazionale fly to China for their pre-season tour next Tuesday, with the forward valued at around €55m (£49m).

It is understood United price the Croat at closer to £40m and so the fee may be about £45m. Luciano Spalletti, the Inter manager, wants the player to stay but Perisic is intent on a move to Old Trafford.

José Mourinho is keen to reinforce his forward line with the 28-year-old who largely operates in wide positions. The United manager remains doubtful about the quality of Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard. He complained about their lack of cutting edge on several occasions last season. Perisic can also play in a central attacking role.

Inter, who have signed Fiorentina’s Borja Valero, leave for China on 18 July and play Schalke in Changzhou on 22 July.

Perisic linked up with Inter for their pre-season camp at Riscone di Brunico but if the transfer is completed in time Mourinho may ask him to fly to the USA. United are in a training camp at Los Angeles’s UCLA complex. Their five-match tour begins with Saturday’s friendly against LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center.