As in some of Chelsea’s best work in the transfer market — notably during the successful gazumping of Manchester United two years ago for Pedro’s signature — Manchester United themselves are wasting no time in trying to push through the Lukaku deal from right underneath Chelsea’s noses. From 0-to-100 in four seconds, though the subsequent quiet period is always a bit deflating. Ya gotta keep the stoke levels high, man.
Update from Everton end..
— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) July 6, 2017
* Chelsea already in talks over Romelu Lukaku
* Man Utd only club close to asking price at this stage #MUFC #CFC pic.twitter.com/uTy6lz5Gzk
While reports disagree whether Manchester United have even an agreement over the fee with Everton, let alone an agreement with the player who up to about 12 hours ago was roundly understood to prefer Chelsea, there’s already a planned medical in Los Angeles apparently, which is where Lukaku’s been hanging out for the past few weeks on holiday.
Fair to say Man United took everyone by surprise. Medical planned in LA. They want to move fast. Chelsea holding on that they're still in.
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) July 6, 2017
Chelsea’s involvement at this point appears to be nothing more than a mere technicality unfortunately, hinging on that aforementioned lack of confirmed agreement between the two northern clubs or Lukaku himself. There’s still time and opportunity for Chelsea to make this a bidding war, should we so choose.
But time is quickly running out.