Romelu Lukaku not close to Chelsea move

Pa
Friday 10 June 2011 12:44 EDT
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Lukaku, just 18-years-old, has already broken into the Belgium national side
Lukaku, just 18-years-old, has already broken into the Belgium national side (GETTY IMAGES)

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Teenage Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku says he will be at the club for pre-season training, despite reported interest from Chelsea.

The 18-year-old has already broken into the Belgium national side and is attracting interest from across Europe.

However, Lukaku insists suggestions a deal is imminent are wide of the mark, and says he is only focused on his school exams.

In a statement on his Facebook and Twitter pages, the striker said: "I read a lot in the paper about me these days.

"Some journalists try to sell information they don't always know about. Please know that my current and only focus is ... passing my exams.

"After that I'll have some holiday and will start the pre-season with RSCA [Anderlecht]."

The players' agent Christophe Henrotay added no negotiations had taken place with Chelsea, who are still to appoint a successor to Carlo Ancelotti.

"There has not yet been a meeting between Chelsea and Anderlecht, nothing can be concluded," Henrotay told Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg.

"Anderlecht want a lot of money for Lukaku, he costs more than two million you know - it will take more time.

"With the current state of things, Romelu will resume training on June 24 with Anderlecht."

However, Anderlecht general manager Herman van Holsbeeck expects a deal to happen sooner or later as the Belgian club plan for the future.

"Sure he will leave, and his departure is crucial to our transfers," Van Holsbeeck told the Gazet van Antwerpen.

"I do not know if it will be Chelsea, there are many big clubs interested and we are negotiating.

"One thing is certain, he will not spend another year with Anderlecht."

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