Mark’s new Devils deal
VICE-SKIPPER EXTENDS SALFORD STAY /PAGE 45
UNITED target Romelu Lukaku is set to spark a transfer battle between the Reds and Chelsea after confirming he plans to leave Everton ahead of the new season.
The striker had already admitted that negotiations were underway about his future after he announced that he wanted to play Champions League football next season.
But he has said he is unlikely to be at Everton next season.
Speaking at a Belgium press conference he said: “Staying at Everton? That’s not really an option I think.”
The former Chelsea man has also been linked with a move back to his former club and confirmed that he is in talks with his agent over his future.
When asked whether he would choose Chelsea or United he replied: “No comment, I can’t say anything. I know where I want to go, but I will keep all the talking to by agent.
“At the moment the Premier League is the best league for me. After six years I know the league through and through. I want to reach the 100 goal mark.”
United are looking for an alternative striker after club sources confirmed that they had cooled their interest in previous top target Antoine Griezmann.
Mourinho has made the signing of a No.9 a priority after the injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of last season which appeared to end his United career.
Everton’s valuation of Lukaku is more than £80m but the Merseyside club could hold out for a world record deal in excess of the £89m United paid for Paul Pogba last summer.
Lukaku, Andrea Belotti and Alvaro Morata all fit the profile of the striker Mourinho wants to lead his line next season.
But he faces a battle with Chelsea over Lukaku, who is believed to favour a move to Stamford Bridge.
However, the Belgian’s agent Mino Raiola was also the mastermind behind Pogba’s Old Trafford return - and the super agent has strong links with United chief Ed Woodward after also negotiating deals for Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
His involvement could yet sway Lukaku’s thinking.
United special: Pages 49-51