Lukaku close to making his transfer decision

Over the last few years, Everton fans have always dreaded the internationals break because Romelu Lukaku has been at his vocal best during the press confernces that accompany the international jaunts.

Now that he has declined to sign a new contract that would have made him the Toffees’ highest-paid player ever, Blues care less about where he could be headed next. That didn’t stop him from talking to the media about his future again as his Belgium side took on the Czech Republic yesterday.

In an interview on Monday, he said -

"I don't want to stay at the same level. I want to improve and I know where I want to do that.

"We are now talking to the club. I know what's happening, but I will leave the talks to my agent.

"I know what's happening, but I can't tell you anything more.

"What I would like most is to play in the Champions League and try to win the Premier League once. Or better - a few times."

His agent is the (in)famous Mino Raiola, who orchestrated the Paul Pogba move to Manchester United last summer. Lukaku and Pogba are friends, having been seen in public together on numerous occasions.

It has long been thought that Chelsea are in pole position to re-sign their former player, but in recent days United have come back into focus after their primary target Antoine Griezmann chose to stay in Spain.

Now another team is reportedly in the fray as well - German champions Bayern Munich. Apparently manager Carlo Ancelotti is a fan of the striker’s, and Bayern has initiated contact with a view to a transfer.

Lukaku has always claimed he wanted to play in the Champions League and win titles, but he is not a guaranteed starter at any of the three sides mentioned in the race for his signature, so it will be interesting to see what transpires.