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Football London
Football London
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Jake Stokes

Romelu Lukaku given alternative transfer plan after stinging snub as Chelsea eye £17m windfall

Everton have been encouraged to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer, with a return to Inter Milan increasingly unlikely. The 29-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move back to the San Siro following the conclusion of his season-long loan.

Lukaku, who sees his contract expire at Stamford Bridge in 2026, featured 25 times for the Nerazzurri in the Serie A last term, finding the net just 10 times. The Belgium international suffered a number of injuries at the start of the season but, once he got into his groove, he quickly built a head of steam.

Despite his impressive performances towards the backend of the campaign, Inter are said to be short on cash and, as a result, it appears as that they've lined up the signing of Marcus Thuram on a free transfer instead. In fact, according to The Telegraph, Chelsea have refused the Nerazzurri's bid to take Lukaku on another loan, while reports elsewhere have linked him to both Juventus and even Inter's city-rivals Milan - though that move is unlikely.

The report states that the Belgian has rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in a bid to remain in Italy. The Telegraph outline that Inter could the financial power to sign Lukaku if they can offload Andre Onana, who has been linked with a move to the Blues and Manchester United.

It's said that further talks regarding the striker's future are planned for this week amid a mutual understanding that a resolution must be reached sooner rather than later. With not too many options left on the table, Lukaku has been urged to consider joining the Toffees.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, Chris Sutton explained why Sean Dyche should take a look at the £17million-rated ace. The former Chelsea striker said: "Everton, a great history, which the club has, if you are a player looking at Everton for the last decade or so, but you would think that there are better options out there.

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"Sean Dyche would have been thinking about this 24/7 about how to take that next step, with Calvert-Lewin, it’s so frustrating. We saw when he had a run towards the end of the season, the impact he can have. But Dyche can’t trust him.

"You have mentioned Maupay and it hasn’t happened for him. It doesn’t look like it will happen for him. Lukaku, go and get Lukaku. I have said Lukaku and I’ll say it again."

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