Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Everton striker Romelu Lukaku returning to Chelsea this summer.

The Belgian international is said to be weighing up handing in a transfer request after telling friends he is ready to leave Goodison Park.

Lukaku has unfinished business at Stamford Bridge after joining the Toffees for £28million two years ago after disappointing spell in west London.

He failed to make inroads at Stamford Bridge despite proving himself elsewhere in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and Everton.

Chelsea have already seen a bid of £57million turned down by Ronald Koeman’s new side as Antonio Conte’s search for more firepower continues this summer.

Lukaku is valued at as much as £75million by the Merseysiders and the bookies are convinced he will be a Blues player before the end of the transfer window.

Sky Bet have priced the 23-year-old at 1/2 odds on to sign for Chelsea despite Conte’s reluctance to meet Everton’s valuation.

Wanted: Chelsea are after Romelu Lukaku
Enigma: Would Lukaku really head back to Chelsea?

The Blues are thought to be willing to spend as much as £67million for the goalscorer and hold a few aces in their pack as they sit at the negotiating table.

Lukaku’s transfer to Everton included certain clauses based on performance that the Blues would are due to receive, which could be factored into any deal.

Structured payments rather than one lump sum were also organised as part of the original move and these could also be considered as part of a new transfer.

Conte is looking to deploy two strikers up front at the Bridge next season and wants to Lukaku to provide competition to Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi.

The submission of a transfer request by the player would put Chelsea in a commanding position with Everton unlikely to be able to hang onto an unhappy member of the squad.

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