• Premier League

Anderlecht get tough with Chelsea on Lukaku

ESPN staff
July 23, 2011
Romelu Lukaku's future remains up in the air © PA Photos
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Anderlecht have warned Chelsea that they are in no hurry to sell their highly-regarded Belgium international striker Romelu Lukaku.

Widespread reports earlier in the week suggested that Chelsea had tabled a bid for Lukaku as they look to inject fresh blood into the ageing playing squad at Stamford Bridge.

With Lukaku's contract at Anderlecht set to expire in 2013, the Blues seem to be in a strong bargaining position in their pursuit of a player who scored 16 goals from 37 appearances last season.

But their interest appears to have cooled of late - first Andre Villas-Boas commented the club didn't need Lukaku, then it was revealed that negotiations are ongoing with Didier Drogba over a new contract.

While Chelsea ponder their next move, Anderlecht insist they are in no mood to play games. "If a club like Chelsea pays the target amount, he leaves," Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck stated at a news conference. "We are looking to make clear agreements next week, but Lukaku from a sporting aspect is much more important that the financial picture.

"And he is in no rush to leave - and if August 31 comes and he does not leave, then perhaps staying another year could be better. But we do not want this to drag on, it's not a complicated matter - they know the asking price."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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