The Blues will use a contract clause to negotiate Lukaku return
Chelsea are preparing to move ahead of Manchester United in their chase for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Red Devils had thought to be ahead in the race for the 22-year-old, who has admitted he wants to quit Everton this summer in order to play Champions League football.
However, the Belgium striker could be set for a return to Stamford Bridge, after leaving the club in 2014 for £28 million.
The deal which saw Lukaku moved to Goodison Park included a number of performance-related bonuses and a clause that would be triggered if Everton won the FA Cup this term.
And with the Toffees to face either United or West Ham in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley, they are just one win away from winning the competition.
Cut-price fee
But instead of Chelsea taking the add-ons from the contract, they will use it to negotiate a cut-price deal for the striker, who is valued at £65 million.
Antonio Conte is looking to make the Belgian his first signing at Chelsea, but it is not yet clear whether Lukaku, who was an outcast during his time with the Blues, wants to return to Stamford Bridge.
Ironically, despite Lukaku chasing Champions League football next campaign, Chelsea will not compete in the Europe’s premier club competition next season, and the same looks like for United also.
Lukaku has netted 25 times for Everton this season, and is proving himself to be one of the best young strikers in Europe.
But it seems that the Everton man is happy to leave for a top side in Europe, even if they can’t offer Champions League football immediately, next season.
