Chelsea’s hopes of re-signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton have been boosted after it was claimed he has “unfinished business” at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku joined the Blues from Anderlecht in a deal worth £18million in the summer of 2011 and was touted as the next Didier Drogba.
However, the Belgian powerhouse only ever started one Premier League game for the club as he was sent out on two loan spells to English top-flight teams.
He impressed at West Bromwich Albion and then with the Toffees, with the Merseyside shelling out £28million to make the move permanent two years ago.
Lukaku has since netted 55 times for the Merseyside club in 88 appearances and caught the eye of Europe’s elite ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window.
He shocked Everton last month when he admitted: “For me, things are going well at Everton right now. I can become top scorer of the Premier League. But, yes, I could be leaving the club in the summer.”
Roberto Martinez’s side are understood to value Lukaku at as much as £65million and Chelsea have no buy-back clause to help them beat off the competition for his signature.
The Blues reportedly wanted to insert such a clause in the deal that took him to Everton, however Jose Mourinho instructed transfer chiefs to instead push for more cash up front.
Manchester United and German duo Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are also keen to land the tall striker and Lukaku would be open to all options, according to The Mirror.
Roman Abramovich will provide incoming boss Antonio Conte with significant funds to return to their status as title contenders after a disastrous campaign this term.
Lukaku is high on the new manager’s shopping list and will be encouraged by the indications from Lukaku’s camp that he is prepared to have another crack at Chelsea.
The chance to prove his critics wrong by establishing himself as a first-team regular in west London is said to appeal to the 22-year-old hitman.
Lukaku’s father, Roger, recently confirmed: "He's ready. I see that there is interest from Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester United.”
Antonio Conte's rumoured summer shopping list in pictures:
