Transfer Talk: Rom's Blues nightmare to end as Real step up Sterling interest

Romelu Lukaku’s nightmare return to Chelsea is set to end with a temporary move to former club Inter Milan.

The Blues spent £97.5million to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge last summer, seven years after he originally left.

But the 29-year-old flopped in West London, netting just eight Premier League goals and failing to live up to expectations.

A controversial interview with Sky Italia in December strained relations with boss Thomas Tuchel and his standing at Chelsea never recovered.

According to the Guardian, Inter will pay £6.8m for the season-long loan with no obligation to buy the Belgian striker this time next year.

The Blues had wanted £8.5m from last year’s Serie A runners-up but have had to settle for less.

Chelsea may also face competition from Real Madrid in their pursuit of England and Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.

Los Blancos are long-term admirers of Sterling, 27, and have been keeping a close eye on his situation this summer.

Now, the Mirror believe they are ready to pounce if the forward decides to end his seven-year stay at the Etihad.

Recent reports have also suggested Sterling would like his future resolved in the next fortnight.

In other news

The Times say Arsenal’s opening bid for Raphinha is way below Leeds’ £50m valuation of their Brazilian winger.

Newcastle face competition from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain for Reims’ 20-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike, according to L'Equipe.

Football.London believe that West Ham are interested in a move for Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen.