LUKAKU’S STILL NO.1
Blues on target
ROMELU LUKAKU remains Chelsea’s No.1 striker target – despite suggestions they are also keen on Alvaro Morata.
Starsport understands the Blues have agreed terms of in excess of £150,000 a week with the Belgian hitman.
Everton say they want a world record £100m for the 24-year-old star.
However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich won’t sanction such a high fee for a player they sold to the Toffees for £28m three years ago.
Negotiations look set to drag on through the summer, leading to speculation the west Londoners could turn to Real Madrid hitman Morata, who is also wanted by Manchester United.
But a source close to the champions insisted last night: “Lukaku is still the one they want.”
Question
Chelsea need another front man after boss Antonio Conte told last season’s top scorer Diego Costa he is no longer in his plans.
Yesterday, ex-Chelsea and England star Joe Cole said the club was right in targeting Lukaku over Morata. “I like Lukaku,” said the midfielder. “I’d take Lukaku, he is like for like with Costa, but they only need one or two players and just keep the continuity going.
“Morata has never played in England, so there is a little question mark there.”
Conte’s other main target is Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, 22, who is valued at around £50m, with that transfer close to completion.
And the Stamford Bridge outfit have already agreed terms with free agent Willy Caballero after the keeper left Manchester City.
Conte is also looking for a centreback, having let John Terry leave. Bertrand Traore is also on his way out, with French club Lyon keen on a £16.6m deal.
Traore, who has just started four games since joining Chelsea in 2013, spent last season on loan with Ajax and is keen on moving on for regular first-team football.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said: “We want the deal.”