Manchester United and Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku expects to leave Everton in £65million deal before Euro 2016 kicks-off later this summer
ROMELU LUKAKA expects to leave Everton in a £65million move before the start of the European Championship.
Manchester United and Chelsea have enquired about the 23-year-old striker and also face competition from Paris Saint Germain in the battle to snap up one of the game’s best young attackers.
And Lukaku’s dad Roger has claimed a big-money transfer is likely to be done before Euro 2016 kicks off on June 10.
Juventus are another club who have spoken with Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola, but it appears only United, Chelsea or PSG can meet the big asking price Everton want before they sell.
Yet a deal appears closer than expected according to the player’s father who was speaking in an interview with Belgian newspaper Humo.
He said: “Everton are asking around £65m for Rom, I think a transfer will be done before the Euros.
“Romelu will decide his future, but agents have the last word most of the time. I hope and I think Mino Raiola is an honest man.
“Now with Romelu it will be quickly arranged. Whether the transfer has been sorted? Almost. I think it will be in place before the European Championship.
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“He won’t go to Italy, because they keep it closed at the back, too difficult for an attacker.
“What is certain, to continue to make progress, he needs to change clubs, but we are mainly engaged in making the right choice.”
Lukaku would be open to joining either United or making a return to Chelsea— but the problem is neither can offer Champions League football next season.
Earlier this year, the 25-goal striker admitted he wanted to be playing Champions League football next season, but he may have to forsakew that ambition if he wants to stay in the Premier League.
Everton are not keen on selling their star man, but they realise the club has under-performed and they haven’t been able to show they can meet Lukaku’s aims of playing against the best.
In March he said: “I’m 23 this summer, and it would be nice to play in the Champions League next season. I’m really looking for me to measure myself against the absolute top players.”
That comment came shortly after his dad again went public by saying: “I see that there is interest from Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester United. He’s ready.
“I know his agent prefers Italy, but in my eyes Rom has to join Bayern orManchester United. United are a team under construction with no real focus.”
United have held back from making a bid while they make a decision on who they will have as manager in charge next season.
Failure to clinch a Champions League spot has left Louis van Gaal vulnerable to the sack with Jose Mourinho waiting in the wings ready to take charge.
Mourinho and Lukaku still have a good relationship even though Lukaku failed to establish himself as a regular at Chelsea while he was in charge.
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