Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku is set to return to the club’s training ground to begin his preparations for the new season with stars not included in the Blues’ USA pre-season tour squad.
The Belgian, who still has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, has spent the last two seasons on loan in Serie A with Inter Milan and Roma respectively.
A third move to the league appears to be on the cards, amid reports linking the 31-year-old with a reunion with his old Inter boss Antonio Conte at Napoli.
According to Mike McGrath at the Telegraph, Lukaku’s future will depend on that of Victor Osimhen, who could fetch the Neapolitans a hefty transfer fee should they find a willing buyer.
In the meantime, Lukaku is set to continue his Chelsea exile by gearing up for the new campaign with those at the club who could also be on the chopping block. Among them include defender Trevor Chalobah.
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly set to return to Chelsea’s Cobham training base to prepare for the new season
The 31-year-old is believed to be keen on a reunion with his old Inter boss Antonio Conte at Napoli
A move for Lukaku will likely be dependent on whether Napoli can offload wantaway striker Victor Osimhen
Lukaku enjoyed a decent campaign for Roma last term, with 13 league goals in an overall disappointing domestic season for Daniele de Rossi’s men.
Unfortunately for the striker, he was unable to take that steady form into the European Championship, where Belgium fell to a last-16 defeat by France and he netted just once – while missing a host of chances in Germany.
According to reports in Italy, the Blues are ready to cut ties with the striker they splurged nearly £100m on three years ago to re-sign after his first impressive spell in Italy.
Chelsea are now reportedly willing to receive only £30m to end the most dysfunctional of relationships. Sky Italia report that Lukaku is already working with Conte and his staff and is receiving instructions ahead of the new term.
New Blues boss Enzo Maresca is still in search of his first win as manager, having suffered a bruising 4-1 defeat by Celtic in the second match of their US tour.
Chelsea face Club America on Thursday before their trip ends with a clash against Manchester City in Ohio on Saturday.