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Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku has been identified by Tottenham as a potential summer signing, if Antonio Conte stays.
That’s according to reports in Italy, but Spurs are apparently not the only club interested in the Belgium international, who has endured a nightmare in his second spell at Inter Milan.
AFP
The Serie A giants picked up Lukaku on loan last summer, having only sold the striker to Chelsea the year before for £97million, following a disastrous campaign where he fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
His return to the San Siro has been so bad that Inter are set to return the striker to Chelsea at the end of the season, and not take up the option to loan him for a second campaign.
A full return to west London does not look likely, though, with the Blues are keen to offload the ex-Manchester United star.
Lukaku has struggled with injuries and has scored just once in Serie A this season – a startling decline compared to his last year in 2021 at the San Siro where his 24 goals led them to a Scudetto title for the first time in 11 years.
And according to CalcioMercato, a reunion with his then-Inter boss Conte is on the cards – if the Italian stays at Tottenham.
Spurs are one of the possible next destinations for the 29-year-old as interest heats up in Harry Kane, where United are expected to test Daniel Levy’s resolve this summer with an official bid.
Getty
Lukaku could be the ideal replacement, but only if Conte stays with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and no renewal plans in sight.
Conte and Lukaku forged a brilliant relationship while at Inter, where they ended a spell of over a decade without winning the league title.
The striker admitted the former Chelsea boss ‘changed’ him as a person and rued missed opportunities to work together earlier in his career.
In 2021, Lukaku wrote on Instagram: “[In] 2014 we spoke for the first time and we have had a bond ever since.
“We had many moments to work together but only god knows why it never happened earlier.
AFP
“You came at the right time and basically changed me as a player and made me even stronger mentally and more importantly we won together!
“Thank you for all what you did. I owe you a lot.. @antonioconte.”
But the north London side are not the only Premier League outfit interested in the Belgian, with CalcioMercato also reporting that Newcastle are keeping a close eye on proceedings.
The Magpies are hoping to claim a top-four finish in the Premier League this season while their Saudi Arabia owners would be able to financially compete with anyone.
There is also plenty of interest in Lukaku across the continent, including from Bayern Munich who are yet to replace Robert Lewandowski from last year.
Atletico Madrid are another club keen on the former Everton star, as well as Juventus, which could open the door to a Dusan Vlahovic swap deal.
Keep up to date with all the latest news, rumours and gossip with our LIVE transfer blog
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