Report: Everton's Lukaku considering Chelsea return

Romelu Lukaku is apparently considering a sensational return to Chelsea to the tune of £50 million.

Everton is expected to take a tough stance on attempting to retain the services of the Belgian striker, but the Evening Standard's Simon Johnson reports that Lukaku is considering rejoining the Blues where he has "unfinished business."

The Blues' incoming boss Antonio Conte is also said to have a good relationship with Mino Raiola, the agent of Lukaku who the Italian dealt with at Juventus with Paul Pogba, another player Raiola represents.

Suggestions of Lukaku leaving Merseyside heightened when the 22-year-old expressed a desire to be playing in the Champions League next season - something that is not forthcoming at 12th-placed Everton. Under the management of Roberto Martinez, the Toffees have looked susceptible at the back and, with the exception of an FA Cup semi-final berth, have underachieved this season.

Despite the lack of consistency and cohesion in the squad, Lukaku has grabbed 23 goals across all competitions, showing significant progress from when he left Chelsea permanently for Everton for £28 million in 2014.

One stumbling block, however, would appear to be that Chelsea can offer no European adventure next term. Its title defence has been torrid - one of the worst in the Premier League era - and it currently occupies a position just two spots higher than Everton.

This could offer other potential suitors an advantage in pursuit of Lukaku's signature. Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have been teams rumoured to be eyeing the forward.

Chelsea is widely expected to be in the market for at least one striker this summer. Diego Costa is touted to be leaving Stamford Bridge, with several names linked to fill the forward void, such as Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain.