
Sky
sources understand Chelsea's Belgium international striker Romelu Lukaku is
set for a £24million move to Everton.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez looks to have won the race to sign the
sought-after frontman, who would become the club's record signing should the
move proceed, exceeding the £15m fee Everton paid for Lukaku's compatriot
Marouane Fellaini in 2008.
Reports of Lukaku’s imminent departure from Chelsea intensified after the
21-year-old posted a tweet through his official account hinting that he is
ready for the next challenge in his career.
The striker has been linked with Everton, Wolfsburg and Juventus this summer
after struggling to force his way into the first-team picture at Chelsea
since his arrival from Anderlecht in 2011.
Despite the summer departures of strikers Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o,
Lukaku’s first-team chances at the club looked bleak following Chelsea’s
capture of Diego Costa and the return of Didier Drogba.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lukaku tweeted a photo of himself on an aeroplane with
the message: “Time to write a new chapter.”
The tweet caused online bookmaker Sky Bet to cease trading on his next
destination, with an announcement seemingly imminent.
Everton were 1/4 favourites before the plug was pulled, with Bundesliga side
Wolfsburg rated 5/1, followed by Serie A champions Juventus at 8/1.
Lukaku mustered just eight Premier League appearances in his first season at
Chelsea and failed to find the back of the net.
The following season saw the striker loaned to West Brom where he scored 17
league goals in 35 appearances, helping the club to an eighth place finish
in the Premier League.
The Belgian spent last season on loan at Everton where he became a fans’
favourite at Goodison Park after netting 15 times in 35 Premier League
matches.
Martinez has already acknowledged that a striker signing is high on his list
of priorities.
"We clearly need to strengthen in the number nine position, the striker, and
probably another attacking player," he said.
"I am not too concerned about the timing (of signings), all I want to do is
make sure we get the right footballers.
"We need up to three attacking players and that is bearing in mind the
different ways we are going to play and attack.
"We know exactly our priorities and the names. We will work hard to get them
but they need to be a perfect fit."