Chelsea expected to challenge for Lukaku

Everton are expecting Chelsea to aggressively challenge Manchester United for Romelu Lukaku’s signature, according to the Independent, despite reports that United have already agreed a deal.

Earlier this morning, it was reported that United had agreed a £75million deal to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer, although Jim White broke the news that this was not the case shortly afterwards.

With the race for the 24-year old Belgian heating up, the Toffees expect long-term admirers Chelsea to come back in for Lukaku with a renewed sense of urgency, as talks with United having moved along progressively.

Whilst it was confirmed that Manchester United have not yet agreed a deal with Everton, there have certainly been positive discussions between the two clubs, with José Mourinho personally intervening to try and get the deal over the line.
Lukaku has not hidden the fact that he’d like to return to his former club Chelsea, whom he has supported since he was young, but it is now believed that he would be open to reuniting with the man who signed off his departure from Stamford Bridge.

The Red Devils have made offers for the Belgium international after failing with other targets, with Antoine Griezmann electing to remain with Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid proving difficult to deal with over Álvaro Morata. As such, United are now believed to be favourites to sign Lukaku, with it looking more and more likely the player will line up for next season in a red shirt.

However, those close to Chelsea maintain that nothing is said and done just yet.