Lukaku set for new deal as Everton fend off Chelsea interest

Everton are set to begin talks over a new contract for Romelu Lukaku in a bid to stave off interest from Chelsea.

Paul Joyce of the Daily Express, a reliable Everton source, reports that Everton will meet with Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola this week.

Raiola is already in the UK to finalise Paul Pogba’s move to Manchester United but will also find time to discuss terms over a new deal for Lukaku.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Belgian striker all summer but Everton are determined to hang onto their man.

Lukaku still has three years left on his current deal, putting Everton in a strong bargaining position. But the Toffees are keen to send out a message to their rivals by tying down the 23-year-old to a new improved, long-term contract.

Despite earlier reports to the contrary Everton are not interested in Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony, according to Joyce.

The Ivory Coast forward had been linked with a move to Goodison, especially after he was pictured in Liverpool earlier this week.

However, it seems Everton’s focus it keeping Lukaku on Merseyside rather than shopping for potential replacements.