Romelu Lukaku’s long-awaited return to Chelsea is no closer to becoming a reality despite many clubs returning to pre-season next week.
At the rate Everton are spending, they clearly anticipate cashing in on their prize asset.
However, the Mirror report there is unlikely to be any progress until Diego Costa agrees to leave Stamford Bridge.
The controversial star is standing his ground and will not be forced into a move to the Chinese Super League by Antonio Conte.
Costa is determined to rejoin Atletico Madrid despite their transfer embargo meaning he won’t be able to play until January 2018.
Complicating the Lukaku transfer could be his way of exacting revenge on Conte, with whom he has had a difficult relationship.
It’s reported the Spain international does want to quit the Blues, though, as he has never really settled in London – but the culture and lifestyle in China does not appeal to him either.
It puts Lukaku in a difficult position, as he has already burned a lot of bridges at Everton.
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