Belgian teammate Mirallas reveals his hand in Romelu Lukaku's loan move

(L to R) Belgium’s Axel Witsel, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas

Everton forward Kevin Mirallas has revealed that only after making sure Romelu Lukaku gave the green light to join Everton, he left the 20-year-old’s hotel room.

The Belgian internationals happened to be together on the transfer deadline day as they are on their international duty for their World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park.

Lukaku, having been on loan to West Bromwich Albion last season, had made his intentions clear to Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho that he did not want to be loaned out to any clubs this season.

But with Chelsea having an array of strikers in their squad, Lukaku was forced to leave Chelsea.

The 25-year-old said: “I was with Romelu in his room at the team hotel on Monday night, and I only left when I was sure he was joining us.

“I was surprised to learn we were in for him, because there had been no inkling, but once I got word, I really went to work.

“I just tried to convince him that Everton was the right step to take and he would love it at Goodison, and I’m really pleased he took it on board.

“With Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o all jostling for places up front at Chelsea, and Romelu likely to be on the bench, it made sense to go out on loan again. It made even more sense to choose Everton, and I’m delighted he has.”