Chelsea bid for £25m-rated Romelu Lukaku rejected by Anderlecht

02 February 2011 16:49
Chelsea tried to land Anderlecht starlet Romelu Lukaku during the January transfer window.[LNB] Blues owner Roman Abramovich splashed out ?75million to sign Fernando Torres and David Luiz and could have taken his spending closer to the ?100m mark if the Belgian side had accepted his offer. [LNB]The 17-year-old striker, out of contract in 2012, is one of the hottest prospects in Europe and has long been linked with a move to a big club. [LNB]Arsenal, Manchester rivals United and City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been monitoring Lukaku's situation for a few years. But the teenager is staying where he is for now.[LNB] [LNB] Teenage dreams: The biggest clubs in Europe have been keeping a close eye on Chelsea target Lukaku (left)[LNB]Anderlecht general manager Herman van Holsbeeck said: 'Chelsea wanted him this winter, but after consultation with his agent, we decided to decline the offer from the Blues. He is not ready yet, and we still want to hold on to him for one to two seasons. His price? €30 million (?25.5m).'[LNB]Lukaku's agent David Steegan refused to rule out the possibility of the youngster leaving at the end of the season but he dismissed reports that Manchester City were already in negotiations. [LNB]He said: 'There is no talk with Manchester City and you can quote me on that. In the summer? Anything is possible but there is nothing definite yet. He is very young, so he might decide to stay for a while yet.'[LNB]WATCH A VIDEO OF LUKAKU'S HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST SEASON[LNB][LNB]The 6ft 3in Lukaku is already a full international having made his debut for Belgium as a 16-year-old. He scored twice in a friendly against Russia last November.[LNB]He revealed last month that Chelsea and Arsenal tried to sign him when he was 13 and has made no secret of his support for the west Londoners.[LNB]Lukaku was pictured in a Chelsea shirt during a trip to Stamford Bridge last year and said at the time: 'I'm very pleased to be here - unfortunately, I didn't meet Drogba. If ever one day I will cry, it will be when I sign for Chelsea.'[LNB] Torres set to make stunning Chelsea debut against former club Liverpool on SundaySunderland 2 Chelsea 4: Blues in need of Luiz as strikers cover up defensive flawsPICTURE SPECIAL: Torres trains at Chelsea for first time after ?50m moveTorres set to make stunning Chelsea debut against former club Liverpool on SundayAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail