Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has reportedly informed boss Ronald Koeman that he will turn down Chelsea this summer and stay at Goodison Park.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a return to west London all summer, with Koeman seemingly forced into a situation of planning for life without him.
However, as reported by The Mirror, the Belgian international is staying put with Everton ready to make him their highest-paid player ever with a new £100,000-a-week deal.
If true, it will be a huge boost for Koeman who has already lost John Stones this summer, but in turn he has used the additional investment to stamp his mark on the squad with Yannick Bolasie and Ashley Williams two new recruits.
As noted by The Mirror though, Chelsea were confident that they would re-sign Lukaku in a deal worth £68m, just two years after he left Stamford Bridge for their Premier League rivals.
Having scored 43 goals in 104 appearances, the powerful forward proved his class and ability to score at the highest level on a consistent basis, leading to Antonio Conte wanting to take him back to Chelsea.
Nevertheless, it looks as though the Blues boss will have to focus his attention elsewhere as he continues to look for ways to strengthen his squad ahead of the transfer deadline later this month.
Conte has signed N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi already this summer, but in order to transform Chelsea back into Premier League title contenders, it’s felt that he may well need more quality and depth in his squad to put the disappointment of last season behind them.
As for Everton, Koeman will have the significant backing of owner Farhad Moshiri to help him continue to mould his squad, and it remains to be seen who else arrives with Lukaku now reportedly ready to stay and lead their push for success.