Atletico Madrid’s interest in Chelsea striker Lukaku has waned, according to a report from Spanish publication Marca.
It had been thought that the Belgium international would make a loan move to Atletico, who sold Spain forward Diego Costa to the Blues earlier in the summer. Atletico were interested in a permanent move but were put off by Chelsea’s £30m asking price.
But now it’s felt that even a loan move is unlikely as Atletico have turned their attention elsewhere – specifically to Bayern Munich’s Croatia international Mario Mandzukic and Benfica forward Rodrigo, formerly of Real Madrid.
Lukaku moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2011, signing from Anderlecht, but played only a handful of games in his first season and was loaned to West Bromwich Albion for the 2012-13 campaign. After a successful spell at the Hawthorns he was allowed to join Everton, spending last season at Goodison Park and is currently representing Belgium, at the World Cup.
As well as Costa’s departure, David Villa has also left Vicente Calderon, signing for MLS side New York City FC, co-owned by Manchester City.
