Manchester United Agree Fee For Romelu Lukaku

Manchester United are convinced they are close to securing Romelu Lukaku for a fee of around £75m, despite indications from Everton that a deal has yet to be agreed and Chelsea’s insistence they remain in the chase for the Belgium forward.

The confidence at Old Trafford is such that sources have indicated the player, who is on holiday in Los Angeles, could be signed in time to join up with his new team-mates on their tour in the United States. José Mourinho’s squad depart on Sunday for a five-game tour and hope to confirm the striker as the second most expensive signing in the club’s history, behind Paul Pogba.

Yet sources at Everton, who retain an interest in United’s Wayne Rooney, have stressed there is some way to go before any transfer could be considered complete and expect Chelsea to step up their attempts to sign the striker.

Antonio Conte had identified Lukaku early on as his replacement for Diego Costa, and the Premier League champions have noted Everton’s denial that a deal has been struck.

Their confidence appears to be forged on a belief Lukaku’s preference has always been to rejoin the club he left in 2014 for £28m. Yet they are now under pressure to counter United’s offer, despite the fact they have been unable, as yet, to off-load Costa. Atlético Madrid are expected to launch a bid for the Spain forward, though it remains to be seen whether they match Chelsea’s valuation.

Losing out on Lukaku would represent a significant blow and place further strain on Conte’s relationship with the board. Reports in Belgium have suggested the manager has spoken Lukaku in recent weeks, outlining where he sees him in his plans and stressing the player’s significance to Chelsea’s approach. Conte had envisaged the deal being completed before his squad return for pre-season training on Monday.

He has been frustrated by Chelsea’s inability to add to his options, with only Willy Caballero, on a free transfer from Manchester City, confirmed. Asmir Begovic, Nathan Aké, Tammy Abraham and John Terry have departed either on permanent or long-term loan deals.

Conte, who had infuriated the hierarchy by texting Costa to inform him he was no longer in his plans, has pinned much on Lukaku’s addition, and the onus is now on the board to lodge a bid with Everton.

The alternative options for Chelsea would be Álvaro Morata, whom United had targeted only to drop their interest after the Spanish club refused to lower their asking price of €90m (£79m), or the Torino forward Andrea Belotti.

Should Lukaku complete a move to Old Trafford he would become United’s second summer signing after Benfica’s Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof for £31m.