Rumour: Chelsea in talks with Romelu Lukaku over Atletico Madrid loan move to aid Costa deal

Romelu Lukaku raises a smile during the Barclays premier league match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns

Chelsea are in talks with Atletico Madrid regarding a potential loan deal for Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku, writes the Sunday Express.

The London club are on the verge of completing a £32 million transfer for Atletico’s talismanic striker, Diego Costa, and it would benefit both parties if Lukaku was to spend next season with the La Liga champions.

Chelsea’s £25m valuation of the former Anderlecht star has deterred any potential suitors in the Premier League, including Everton, where the 21-year-old spent last season on loan, netting 15 times in 31 outings.

The Toffees’ boss would love to welcome Lukaku back to Goodison Park on a permanent basis. However, considering that Everton’s all-time record transfer was that of Marouane Fellaini for a fee of £15 million, Roberto Martinez has opted to look elsewhere for a dominant goalscorer.

Owing to disagreements between Jose Mourinho and Lukaku’s representatives, the Portuguese boss is reluctant to retain the Belgium international in his squad next term and would prefer to loan him out to a club outside England’s top tier.