Man United boss Jose Mourinho reportedly sent scouts to watch Everton striker Romelu Lukaku as he considers a reunion with the Belgian ace.
According to The Daily Star, United had scouts at Goodison Park for Everton’s recent 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, a game in which Lukaku scored.
The history between Mourinho and the 23-year-old has been well documented, with Lukaku failing to get a chance to establish himself at Stamford Bridge during the Portuguese tactician’s time in charge at the club.
Having joined Chelsea in 2011 from Anderlecht, Lukaku was sent out on loan at West Bromwich Albion and then Everton, and made just 10 league appearances in a Chelsea shirt before sealing a permanent move to Goodison Park two years ago.
He’s responded by proving his class with 33 goals in 79 Premier League outings and it has seemingly been enough to attract the interest of his former boss who has of course since moved on to United.
The Belgian forward has progressed well in the last three years, recording his best league tally of 18 goals last season, while he already has five in just six games so far this year.
It’s added in the report from The Star that the Red Devils are also keeping tabs on full-back Seamus Coleman, but it’s Lukaku who will steal the headlines as Mourinho potentially considers bolstering his attacking options.
Perhaps a significant aspect of this story is the fact that Lukaku’s agent is Mino Raiola, the representative of United summer signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba.
In turn, the foundations of the relationship to make the transfer happen could already be in place given recent previous dealings, but much will depend on Everton’s resolve and desire to keep hold of their prized asset with Ronald Koeman undoubtedly desperate to keep Lukaku on Merseyside for the foreseeable future.