Manchester United nabs Everton striker Lukaku for $97M

MANCHESTER, England — Romelu Lukaku joined Manchester United from Everton for $97 million on Monday after the striker rejected a late bid by former club Chelsea.

The 24-year-old Belgium international signed a five-year deal and became the second most expensive player in United’s history after close friend Paul Pogba, who joined last offseason for $116 million.

Lukaku, a powerfully built, 6-foot-3 striker, links for a second time with manager Jose Mourinho, who sold the player to Everton in 2014 when both were at Chelsea. Lukaku failed to establish a first-team place at Chelsea and had to spend most of his time on loan first at West Bromwich Albion and then Everton.

“Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United. He is a big personality and a big player,” Mourinho said.

Bolstering his strike force has been a priority for Mourinho ahead of his second season in charge at United after Zlatan Ibrahimovic — currently out with a knee injury — wasn’t offered a contract extension.

Lukaku was the second highest scorer in the English Premier League last season, netting 25 goals as Everton finished seventh in the standings. United was a place higher but qualified for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

In an interview with ESPN published on Sunday, Lukaku said he turned down an offer from Chelsea, the current English champion, because he had already given his word to United.

Lukaku is United’s second signing of the summer, after center back Victor Lindelof, and will join the team in Los Angeles for preseason training.