According to reports in the Evening Standard, Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is ready to turn down the £200,000-a-week deal offered to him by Manchester United and accept a lower wage to return to Chelsea this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, despite being offered a long-term contract by the Toffees that would see him become the highest-paid player in the club’s history, the 24-year-old has so far refused to sign it and is determined to leave Goodison Park this summer in order to compete for trophies and play in the Champions League.
That news has alerted both the Blues and the Red Devils, but it appears as though the Belgium international would prefer a return to west London – having departed there to join Everton on a permanent deal in 2014 – rather than linking up with Jose Mourinho.
United were ready to offer him £200,000-a-week wages, but the attacker is ready to reject that offer despite the fact that he could be earning closer to £150,000-a-week with Chelsea.
Is a deal close then?
Lukaku confirmed earlier this week that he has decided where he wants to play next season, but while he will be hopeful that the two clubs can come to an agreement, the transfer fee could be a sticking point.
The Toffees are said to be demanding £100m for their star man – who scored 25 Premier League goals this season and has netted 85 in total over the last five campaigns – but Chelsea are hopeful they can do a deal for nearer £80m.
Of course those valuations are quite a way apart and it will take some negotiating to find a suitable compromise.
Will he be first choice at Stamford Bridge?
It was previously thought that any new addition would probably be competing with Diego Costa – who netted 20 Premier League goals to help Chelsea win the Premier League title this term – but the Spaniard confirmed on Wednesday night that Conte has told him that he isn’t part of his plans next season.
Whether the 28-year-old leaves the club this summer remains to be seen, but whatever the situation it appears as though Lukaku would be the main man up top as the Blues look to regain their top flight title and have a real crack at the Champions League.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, Lukaku obviously has his heart set on a move to Chelsea and it only seems to be a matter of time before the deal is completed.
