Romelu Lukaku set to 'write a new chapter' and sign for Everton on five-year-deal

Toffees close in on Lukaku signing after Besic and Barkley commit to Martinez

Samuel Stevens
Wednesday 30 July 2014 13:32 EDT
Comments
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring in my ‘game of the season’ against Liverpool
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring in my ‘game of the season’ against Liverpool (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Everton are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on a five-year-deal despite reports this morning that the Blues were asking for £30m.

The 21-year-old Belgium international spent last season on loan at Goodison Park where he scored 15 goals as Roberto Martinez's side finished just outside of the Champions League places.

After training with former club Anderlecht this summer, fueling more speculation he was set to leave Jose Mourinho's men, the powerful forward then posted an image on social media this morning with the caption: "Time for a new chapter."

Lukaku is pictured on an aeroplane but his destination is unknown. Mourinho had expected him to join the Blues squad in the Netherlands but the former West Bromwich Albion loanee could now be headed for Merseyside.

Chelsea have already signed two strikers this summer, £30m Diego Costa and returning legend Didier Drogba, as the Belgian's hope of breaking into the starting line-up continues to fade.

During a recent tour of Thailand, Martinez was quoted as telling supporters that the Toffees 'would get him' but refused to discuss the topic during yesterday's press conference confirming Ross Barkley's new four-year contract.

Roberto Martinez announces Ross Barkley has agreed a new four-year deal with Everton
Roberto Martinez announces Ross Barkley has agreed a new four-year deal with Everton (evertonfc.com)

Ian Atkins, Everton's head of recruitment, echoed his manager's sentiments on Saturday evening when he told talkSPORT: "Hopefully things can be sorted out, I think he’s quite settled in his mind that he wants to come to Everton, and hopefully he’ll be pulling on our blue shirt again next term."

Under current chairman Bill Kenwright, Everton have been notoriously stubborn to spend but look set to part with upwards of £23m to get their man.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in