Chelsea must break transfer record to sign Lukaku

Chelsea will need to break the British transfer record if they are serious about re-signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton, according to reports.

The Mirror claims that Everton are insisting that Lukaku is still a key player for them, and they are planning on having him in their line-up next season, and if the Merseysiders are to be persuaded into parting ways with their star striker, a bid of at least £75 million will be required.

That figure would smash the current British record transfer fee which was set two seasons ago by Manchester United's capture of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for £59.7 million.

Although, that record may yet be broken again as United are thought to be on the verge of sealing a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba which could cost the Old Trafford club up to £100 million.

Lukaku initially joined Chelsea as a teenager in 2011, with the Blues shelling out around £16 million to sign the powerful Belgian from Anderlecht.

But the youngster failed to find a regular place in the Chelsea line-up, making just 10 Premier League appearances. Lukaku did, however, impress during loan spells with West Bromich Albion and Everton, and the Toffees paid £28 million to acquire his services permanently in 2014.

And it now appears that new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants Lukaku back at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues facing the prospect of breaking the bank to prise him from Everton.