It was reported earlier that Manchester United had agreed a fee to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton, believed to be in the region of £75 million.
It had been expected that Lukaku would return to Chelsea, given their long-standing interest in the Belgian striker. Since the news broke, however, stories emerged from Chelsea to the effect that a potential move to Stamford Bridge is not fully off the table.
Miguel Delaney of The Independent reports that Chelsea retain an interest in signing Lukaku, and are considering making a huge offer for the striker.
Everton, for their part, refute the suggestion that they have accepted a bid for Lukaku. Delaney reports that United have yet to lodge an official bid, although a personal intervention by Jose Mourinho means they will do so soon.
United are reportedly still favourites, however, and should a deal go through, it could set off a chain of transfers in the league: beginning with Wayne Rooney going in the opposite direction. Alvaro Morata, who has been linked with United for weeks, may well be the subject to interest from Chelsea, should the Blues miss out on Lukaku.
[The Independent]
