Chelsea 'closing in on big-money Romelu Lukaku deal'

Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of reaching an agreement with Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues are desperate to sign a new centre-forward this summer and had been strongly linked with Erling Braut Haaland before Borussia Dortmund closed the door on a move.

Lukaku has since emerged as the club's leading target, with the Blues thought to be prepared to pay in the region of €110m (£93.5m) for his services in the current market.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are 'confident' of signing the Belgium international 'in the next few days', with the two clubs involved set for further talks over the weekend.

Romano has also denied suggestions that Thomas Tuchel's side are in the running for Lionel Messi, who is now seemingly preparing to sign a contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

Lukaku previously represented Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 but failed to find the back of the net in 15 appearances during a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian, who has scored 64 goals in 95 appearances for Inter over the last two seasons, could make his second debut for the Blues in their 2021-22 Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 14.