Chelsea step up bid to sign Romelu Lukaku as Everton star becomes No1 target ahead of Alvaro Morata

Chelsea will step up their bid to sign Romelu Lukaku next month after making the Belgium striker their first-choice target ahead of Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.

Standard Sport first revealed last year that Lukaku, who has rejected a new contract at Everton, wants a return to Stamford Bridge because he feels he has “unfinished business” there.

Lukaku scored 25 League goals this season, finishing runner-up to Tottenham’s Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot.

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Chelsea have been pursuing Morata since last summer but Standard Sport understands they have prioritised Lukaku as he has the added appeal of counting as a home-grown player under the quota requirements set by the Premier League and Champions League.

Lukaku moved to Stamford Bridge from Anderlecht at the age of 18, meaning he satisfies the demand of having played in England for three seasons before, and including, the year he turned 21.

It is believed Morata, who scored 20 goals for Real this season despite limited opportunities, is aware Chelsea’s interest has cooled and is exploring other options.

Everton bought Lukaku from Chelsea for £28million in 2014 and have put a £100m price tag on his head. However, the champions believe they will be able to acquire the 24-year-old for a lot less than that.