Manchester United took the lead in the race for Romelu Lukaku’s signature after agreeing on a transfer fee with Everton.
Manchester United will be coming to the United States next week to participate in the International Champions Cup preseason tournament. They may be bringing Romelu Lukaku along.
The Guardian is reporting that United have reached an agreement to buy the imposing striker from Everton for a fee of £75 million. While the deal isn’t complete by any means, the Red Devils are convinced they can work out the details before they leave on Sunday for the U.S.
The transfer would come as a blow to Chelsea, who were keen on signing Lukaku as a replacement for Diego Costa, who they still haven’t managed to move. Manager Antonio Conte and his staff will have a limited window to make a counter offer for the Belgian, should they choose to do so.
Should the deal come to fruition, it will be a big get for Jose Mourinho. United’s options at forward were minimal after the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, making it necessary for the Red Devils to find someone to lead the attack. Signing Lukaku would certainly fill that need. The prospect of the 24-year-old teaming up with elite passer Paul Pogba will have United fans excited for the upcoming Premier League season.
Lukaku is one of the top young finishers in the world. He scored 25 Premier League goals for Everton last season. Since becoming a full-time starter in England’s top flight, the Belgium international has failed to score 15 or more league goals only once, when he scored 10 during the 2014-15 season.
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The big striker proved he can get it done in European competition as well, scoring eight goals in nine appearances for Everton in the Europa League two seasons ago. His signing would be an important step in United’s quest to return to the top of the Premier League.
Differing reports have followed the Guardian’s claim of how far the deal has progressed. Sky Sports’ Jim White cited sources claiming the agreement on the fee is “incorrect.” United, however, are still confident of the deal going through.