• Premier League

Lukaku loan to Stoke hits rocks over rules

ESPNsoccernet staff
August 30, 2011
Romelu Lukaku made his Chelsea debut against Norwich © Getty Images
Enlarge

Stoke's attempts to secure a loan deal for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku have seemingly hit the buffers on account of Premier League rules forbidding the move.

A report in the Stoke Sentinel claimed Potters boss Tony Pulis was in talks with the 18-year-old, but hopes of a coup have seemingly been dashed because league rules prevent a player joining another Premier League club on loan if he has been registered in the same transfer window.

With reports suggesting he was in negotiations with Stoke, the Premier League pointed out Rule M.7.1 which says ''a temporary transfer to a club may not take place in the transfer window in which the transferor club acquired the player's registration''.

Lukaku, 18, joined the Blues this summer for a fee of around £18 million and made his home debut as a substitute in last weekend's 3-1 victory over Norwich City.

Pulis is likely to be busy in the transfer market, as he said: "I am hoping to bring in three, four or maybe even five players if all goes according to plan, while a couple who have not played regular first team football of late may be leaving, but as ever, I won't say anything until the deals are done."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices