Simeone is keen to bring Belgian star to Madrid
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone sees Everton’s Romelu Lukaku as the replacement for striker Jackson Martinez.
The former Atletico man left Spain in January, with a lucrative offer in the Chinese Super League tempting to him Asia, with Guangzhou Evergrande. Now, Simeone sees Lukaku as the man to succeed him at the Vicente Calderon.
The 45-year-old has been a long-term admirer of the 22-year-old and, having yet to find the replacement for Martinez, Atletico could battle it out with Manchester United and Chelsea, for the striker’s services.
Eyebrows were raised when Everton broke their transfer record, paying £28 million for the Belgium international who had failed to establish himself at Chelsea.
However, Lukaku has bagged 28 goals in 64 appearances for the club, making him one of the hottest goal-scoring stars outside of the top four teams in England.
Blues return
However, Atletico will have to fight off the competition of Lukaku’s former club, Chelsea, with owner Roman Abramovich keen to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, United are keen to bolster their attacking options this summer, and it is understood the club are targeting the Everton striker, who they have developed fruitful links with in the past – with star striker Wayne Rooney starting his career at the Toffees.
Lukaku scored twice against his former club yesterday, to send Chelsea out of the FA Cup and Everton through to the semi-finals at Wembley, with a 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
But with Everton unlikely to be able to offer Lukaku European football this season, it is hard to believe the Belgian will stick around at the club for too much longer.
