Jose Mourinho is prepared to offer Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, as the Portuguese manger looks to finalise the deal to bring Diego Costa to west London.
Chelsea reportedly agreed a fee for Costa this week, though the Spain international himself has recently dismissed these rumours.
However, there are now suggestions that Atletico want Lukaku as part of the deal. The Belgian striker has spent the last two campaigns out on-loan, with a spell at West Brom and Everton having bred continued success.
Lukaku was called up to the Belgium squad yesterday and Atletico are keen to come up with a deal before the tournament in Brazil commences, to avoid the 21-year-olds price-tag rising if he puts on a good show.
Lukaku is reportedly against moving to Spain due to the risk of racist abuse in the country. Atletico are willing to sit down and talk with the striker in a bid to come to a resolution.
The 20-year-old joined Chelsea from Anderlecht for £18 million in 2011, but has since seen little playing time at Stamford Bridge. Lukaku excelled during his time on Merseyside this season, netting 16 goals at the club and finishing as the Toffees’ top-scorer.
Roberto Martinez recently said the club were willing to wait until after the World Cup to discuss whether they can sign up Lukaku on a loan deal or even a permanent one.
