Rumour: Romelu Lukaku poised for third successive loan spell away from Chelsea with Atletico Madrid

Chelsea’s Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring a goal during a friendly match between Sweden and Belgium

Spanish media outlet AS believe that Chelsea have given striker Romelu Lukaku permission to join Atletico Madrid on loan, as reported by the Express.

The prolific Belgian wishes to leave Stamford Bridge in the pursuit of first-team football and has reportedly shared his desire to do so with the west Londoners’ management team.

Reports recently emerged quoting Lukaku, due to take part in the World Cup with Belgium in a few days time, wanted a permanent exit.

Jose Mourinho, however, despite not trusting the Antwerp born forward to spearhead Chelsea’s attack, is loath to lose Lukaku on a permanent basis so has sanctioned a third successive loan deal for the 21-year-old.

Given that Chelsea want to step up Lukaku’s development but don’t want to strengthen a Premier League rival, La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have emerged as a likely destination.

Any deal will stipulate that he returns for the 2015/16 Premier League campaign, when Mourinho believes Lukaku will be well placed to push for a starting berth in his side.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese boss is working hard to buttress Chelsea’s forward line, with Diego Costa on the verge of a £32 million switch to Chelsea rom Atletico.

The Blues face competition for Mario Mandzukic, however, who alerted a host of Premier League suitors, including Manchester United and Arsenal, when he revealed his intention to leave Bayern Munich this summer.