Chelsea make £65m Lukaku bid – report

Daniel Storey

Chelsea have made a British record £65m bid for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku, who was sold by Chelsea in July 2014 for £28m, could now return to the club for a fee more than double that sale.

Not only would it comfortably break the British transfer record (as long as Paul Pogba doesn’t join Manchester United first), but would also indicate a significant meal of humble pie for Chelsea.

Sold by Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte reportedly told Chelsea weeks ago that Lukaku was his No. 1 transfer target to lead the line. Quite what that does for Diego Costa’s Chelsea future is unclear, with Michy Batshuayi already signed.

Almost every one of Wednesday’s papers has the story, but The Sun use an Everton ‘source’ to bring us their thoughts on the move:

“The club have made a very generous offer – it breaks the British and club record – and is more than double what Everton paid for Romelu.

“Last summer the John Stones negotiations became a bit of a saga and Chelsea want to avoid that so pretty much have told Everton they want to get this all wrapped up by the weekend.”

Everton are thought to be holding out for £75m for Lukaku, but surely would consider settling for £70m if it means they can finally get on with their own summer business. Ronald Koeman’s squad does look very light indeed.