Lukaku to stay at Chelsea despite loan offers

Jul 1, 2013 7:39:00 AM

The striker has been attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs after a fine season out on loan but will remain at Stamford Bridge after speaking with Jose Mourinho

By Greg Stobart

Romelu Lukaku is set to stay at Chelsea next season despite interest in the striker from a number of Premier League clubs.

 Jose Mourinho has told Lukaku that he wants the Belgian to be part of his squad as the Chelsea manager plots a challenge for the Premier League title next term.

The Blues regret allowing so many players to leave on loan last season, with the squad stretched as they played a total of 69 matches over the course of the campaign.

Lukaku scored 17 league Premier League goals while on loan at West Brom and the 20-year-old is eager for regular first-team football, especially in a World Cup year.

Mourinho is in the market for a top class striker, with Napoli star Edinson Cavani strongly linked to the Londoners, but has no intention of listening to offers for Lukaku this summer.

“He is Jose’s type of player and he wants to take a look at him,” a source told Goal. “He can offer something different and has a similar style to Didier Drogba who Jose loves.”

Lukaku will travel with Chelsea on their pre-season tour despite interest from Everton and Fulham, who has yet to score for the Blues in 12 appearances since his £18 million move in 2011.

Chelsea allowed 27 players to leave on loan during the course of last season and Mourinho wants to make more use of the talent in his squad both domestically and in Europe. ---------------------- goal.com