Future transfer news: Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku hoping Everton will let him leave 'through the main gate'

Chelsea made headlines by re-signing David Luiz on transfer deadline day, but there was also another reunion rumored for quite some time earlier in the window that would've caused a few aftershocks without a doubt.

We'll probably never know just how close Chelsea came to re-signing another former fan favorite in Romelu Lukaku, who, just like David Luiz, left in 2014.  I suspect, it had plenty to do with convincing Diego Costa to stay, though Everton were undoubtedly hoping to hang on to their club record signing, and one of the best deals made over the past few years in the Premier League as well.

"I knew of the interest of a few clubs, but it was pretty soon clear that Everton would not let me go. It was important to me that I remained calm and that's what I did. I did not go into conflict. I said to myself: I do my best and what happens in the future happen."

Unfortunately for Everton, that future might not involve Lukaku.  Surprise!

"Eventually [agent Mino Raiola and I] have to make a decision that is best for me. For me football is not about the money. I want to win prizes. But when I get into a situation where I can leave but my team will not let me, I'm not one to go absent, get fined and cultivate a negative reputation."

"I try to remain calm and treat my club with respect. Hopefully they can treat me also with respect and I can leave through the main gate. I will not quarrel with Everton."

-Romelu Lukaku; source: Het Nieuwsblad via Evening Standard

You might not be shocked to learn that Lukaku has yet to receive the contract extension that was said to be in the works and used as deterrent to the Chelsea rumors this summer.

That said, it would not be surprising to see Diego Costa leave Chelsea next summer and head back to Atletico Madrid, in which case, re-signing Romelu Lukaku would be a prudent thing to do.  This situation could get very interesting in the next 10-12 months.