Reports: Manchester United to beat Chelsea in race to sign £65 million striker

What’s the story?

Manchester United are all set to beat Chelsea and sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. According to reports in the Guardian, Mourinho has instructed the United board to make a move for the former Chelsea striker and a bid of over £60 million could tempt the toffees to sell their star man. Chelsea have also been linked with a move for their former striker but Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola is said to favour a move to Old Trafford.

The Belgian who is just 23, has been in stunning form in the Premier League and he is expected to leave Goodison Park in the summer transfer window.

In case you didn’t know...

Future Red Devil?

Romelu Lukaku has previously played under Jose Mourinho, but that association did not go well and the Portuguese manager even greenlighted his move to Everton. However, the big Belgian has rediscovered his form at Goodison and is one of the most sought after footballers at the moment.

Also, there have been reports that Lukaku has refused to sign a new Everton contract. With his contract running out in 2019, Everton might sell him in the next transfer window and cash in on their prized asset.

The heart of the matter

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are on the lookout for a quality striking option. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic injured and Marcus Rashford too young to shoulder the responsibility singlehandedly for a club of United’s striker, a well established forward like Lukaku will definitely provide Mourinho quality and depth in attack.

Chelsea also look set to lose Diego Costa at the end of the season and Conte is reportedly looking at Morata and Lukaku as options to lead the London side’s frontline next season. However, with Lukaku himself supposedly preferring a move to United, Conte might have to turn towards Alvaro Morata to plug the gap in the striking department.

What’s next?

Manchester United have been linked to a lot of big names already but they will have to qualify for the Champions league to sign their targets. On the other hand, Romelu Lukaku has proven himself over the last 2 seasons that he is a quality forward and a move away from Everton looks like the right step to further his career.

Author’s take

Romelu Lukaku has proven himself in the Premier League and it comes as no surprise that both United and Chelsea are after the Belgian’s signature. Lukaku moving to Manchester United makes sense, but he should only join the Red Devils if they manage to secure Champions League football next season.