Agent reveals Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku to start pre-season with Anderlecht

"Anderlecht want a lot of money for Lukaku. He will cost a lot more than 2 million euros! Then things will take a lot longer," agent Christophe Henrotay told Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg.

"Chelsea? They need a coach first. You need an engine first before you can start putting oil in it. And there were only exploratory talks with other clubs. As it stands now, Lukaku will begin training with Anderlecht on June 24."

Hentoray also made it clear that whatever the outcome, Anderlecht wants the matter to be resolved sooner rather than later to avoid having to conduct last minute business at the end of the transfer window.

"Anderlecht do not want Romelu to leave. If they could keep him for the rest of his career, they would not hesitate. But they want to avoid having to buy an expensive replacement in August."

Chelsea has also been linked with another Belgian prospect in Kevin De Bruyne, who plies his trade for champions Racing Genk. However, Henrotay scotched any rumors that De Bruyne would be bought and then loaned to Anderlecht for a year as part of any potential Lukaku deal.

"There has not yet been contact between the top people at Chelsea and Anderlecht. Soon I will go for a bite to eat with [Anderlecht sporting director] Herman Van Holsbeeck but you should not draw any conclusions from that. The scenario involving Kevin De Bruyne is completely out of the question. It was never the intention to include him in any deal with Lukaku."

Henrotay's comments come amid speculation of an imminent meeting with Chelsea in Monaco. Furthermore, Van Holsbeeck has also said that any future signings for Anderlecht are dependent on the sale of the 18-year-old striker, who pulled out of Belgium's recent international with Turkey due to a foot injury.

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