The agent of Romelu Lukaku has confirmed that talks have already begun with Tottenham Hotspur about a possible transfer during the summer.
The Belgian international is regarded as one of the best young talents in European football, but he faces an uncertain future at Chelsea. He was signed by the Blues in the summer of 2011, but he has only played 10 times for them in the Premier League. He spent last term on loan at West Bromwich Albion, where he impressed, and although he hoped for a chance under Jose Mourinho, he was sent to Everton for the duration of this campaign.
Lukaku has again proven to be a huge hit at Goodison Park as the Toffees push for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, and he now has 12 goals in 24 appearances. This comes at a time when his parent club are struggling for goals, with Samuel Eto’o, Demba Ba and £50million Fernando Torres failing to find the net on a regular basis.
It would therefore be a natural choice for Mourinho to recall the 20-year-old in time for next term, but it appears increasingly obvious that the Portuguese coach just doesn’t rate the former Anderlecht youngster. Instead, the Chelsea boss is expected to turn his attention to Diego Costa, the £40million-rated prolific Atletico Madrid frontman.
Mourinho is now willing to sell Lukaku when the window reopens in the summer, if a bid of at least £25million is received. This could prove too costly for Everton, especially if they are unable to overtake Arsenal in the top four placings. However, according to Telegraph Sport, this is a price Daniel Levy is willing to pay for the powerful forward.
Further to this, the agent of Lukaku, Christophe Henrotay, told Het Nieu wsblad: “I’m looking for a club for Romelu Lukaku. And yes, I’ve talked to Daniel Levy once, but that doesn’t mean Romelu will definitely join Tottenham Hotspur. That’s not a talking point at this moment. There aren’t 20 teams that can afford to buy Romelu.”
The possibility of Levy sanctioning a £25million deal for Lukaku at least proves Spurs have lost none of their ambition, having been badly burned in the market last summer. Following the world record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, a number of expensive signings were made, yet only £11million Christian Eriksen has so far proved his quality.
One player who started brightly but has faded in recent weeks is Paulinho. A £17million capture from Corinthians, the midfielder has spoken of his frustration at the lack of first team starts he is receiving, whilst he is also struggling to get to grips with the English language. All this could hinder his chances of appearing for Brazil at the World Cup Finals, but Tim Sherwood has challenged him to force his way into the Spurs side.
“I pick players on what they are doing in training, not on reputations and price tags,” said the Tottenham boss. ‘I can’t be worrying if the Brazil national manager wants him to play every week. I am going to do what is best for Tottenham, not any national manager. He knows if he trains well and plays well, he stays in the side.
“He’s come here from another country and the language has been a problem for him. Also settling into the Premier League, it’s a different game from what he has been used to. It’s very fast with no respite and we play a completely different way to the Brazil team and the team he has come from. He won’t find any Premier League team similar to what he has been used to. But he trains well and wants to be a success.”
