INTER MILAN remain confident in striking a loan deal for Romelu Lukaku that could spark a forward line reshuffle at Chelsea, the PA news agency understands.
Chelsea are understood to be ready to allow £98million (€114 million) club-record recruit Lukaku to return to Inter this summer, but talks are thought to be continuing over the loan fee.
The Blues retain interest in Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, it is understood, with the England forward’s Etihad Stadium contract expiring in summer 2023.
Lukaku might have finished his maiden term at Chelsea as leading scorer, but the 29-year-old courted controversy on several occasions, most notably in an interview with Italian TV revealing unhappiness at Stamford Bridge.
Belgium hitman Lukaku issued a public apology to Chelsea fans in January after that interview had backfired.
But Chelsea’s new owners are thought to be prepared to allow Lukaku to head back to former club Inter, giving boss Thomas Tuchel the chance to reshape the Blues squad.
The 77-cap Sterling is understood to be open to leaving City, with a switch to childhood home London thought to remain appealing.
Sterling’s dynamism and movement would suit a Chelsea line-up seeking more fluidity from its forward line, though the Blues could also still look for a more direct replacement for Lukaku.
Chelsea’s new co-controlling owner Todd Boehly will replace Bruce Buck as Blues chairman at the end of the month, amid a raft of changes behind the scenes after the US magnate’s takeover with Clearlake Capital.
Consortium chiefs Boehly and Clearlake have had a hectic first few weeks at the helm, with plenty of administrative tasks to confront immediately.
The confirmation of the end of Buck’s chairmanship is expected to allow the Blues hierarchy to step up their transfer business.
But Chelsea are also never prone to move in haste, and are again thought to be prepared to stay calm while targeting a number of new arrivals.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde remains ready to join the Blues, but Chelsea are yet to strike a deal with the Spanish club on a fee for the France international.
Probably one of the longest serving managers in the championship, but has found it hard to get Ipswich promoted which I would say is due to finances rather than his ability . He’s a top manager and if Ipswich let him leave it will be a big loss to the club .
@Shane Lad: if he was a top manager he’d be in the premiership, average at most !
@Nightowl: Wrong
@Stephen Drake: why
Regardless if he is sacked, he will be snapped up very quick in the championship…
I’d take him back for Ireland in a heartbeat..instead of watching that rubbish from Friday night.
@An Observer2: would have to agree. Mick is much maligned in certain circles, largely because of Saipan, but he has in fact a very good record. He’s done okay at Ipswich despite have little money to improve the team. I think he has unfinished business with Ireland and would like to see him given the opportunity again
@Jane Aelst: I know Jack Charlton’s era will always be remembered but my God, Saipan was amazing.. the qualifiers, beating Holland, the draws with Portugal, the last minute equaliser with Germany and nearly beating Spain to reach the quarter finals. Mick’s management may not have suited every supporter but he did well.
@Jane Aelst: agreed . Plus Ireland played their best football under him. Personally I was hoping stoke got O’Neill and mick McCarthy made an Irish comeback .
Has worked wonders on a shoestring. Ipswich customers don’t deserve him.
Ipswich to get relegated next season if Mick is sacked
Backside in the bacon slicer.