'Lukaku wants permanent Everton move’, claims Toffees official

Posted Sunday, July 27, 2014 by Talksport.co.uk

Romelu Lukaku wants to leave Chelsea and make a permanent switch to Everton this summer, the Toffees’ head of recruitment Ian Atkins has told talkSPORT.

Lukaku enjoyed great success on loan at Goodison Park last season, netting 19 goals in 33 appearances to fire the Merseyside outfit to a fifth place finish.

But, despite his fine goalscoring form, the 21-year-old Belgian international remains out of favour with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, and the starlet’s Chelsea future was cast further into doubt following the summer arrivals of £32million striker Diego Costa and returning Blues hero Didier Drogba.

Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has admitted he is looking to re-sign Lukaku during the transfer window, with the striker expected to make his decision soon having returned from the World Cup.

And Atkins, who was influential in bringing Lukaku as well as other loan stars Gareth Barry and Barcelona’s Gerard Deulofeu to Everton last season, believes the young striker has set his mind on a full-time spot at Goodison.

"Romelu had a terrific season for Everton last year and I know everyone at the football club wants to see him back,” Atkins told Transfer Tavern.

"Hopefully things can be sorted out, I think he’s quite settled in his mind that he wants to come to Everton, and hopefully he’ll be pulling on our blue shirt again next term.

"Our loan signings all did brilliant for us last season. Gareth Barry has signed permanently now which is fantastic, and hopefully Lukaku will as well.

"I know the manager would like back him at Everton and I’m sure if he comes he’ll be a great asset and can help us get to that next level of European football.”