Everton striker Romelu Lukaku wants Chelsea return - sources

Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2016 by ESPN

Romelu Lukaku wants to go back to Chelsea this summer, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC, with the Blues already favourites for his signature if he leaves Everton.

Lukaku, 23, said recently that he has made up his mind over his future and wants to move to a higher-profile club in order to take the next step in his career, after scoring an impressive 61 goals in 127 games during three fine personal seasons at Goodison Park.

The Belgium international left Chelsea after three years mostly spent out on loan at West Brom and Everton before joining the Toffees for £28 million in 2014. But the club finished 12th this season and missed out on Europe once again, and Lukaku now believes he can command a regular place in Antonio Conte's side.

Despite interest from several clubs around Europe, including Manchester United, Lukaku is a life-long Chelsea fan and it has long been his ambition to emulate his hero Didier Drogba as a club legend.

The 2014-15 Premier League champions also want to do a deal for their former striker, and feel his energy could help revitalise the new Conte regime after an embarrassing title defence as they finished 10th.