alan_stubbs
18-01-2014, 09:07 PM
Everton boss plays down hopes of keeping Chelsea loanee.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says that there is little hope of making Romelu Lukaku's loan move to Goodison Park from Chelsea a permanent one at the end of the season.
The burly Belgian has enjoyed a fantastic opening half of the season with the Toffees, netting nine goals in 19 outings in the blue shirt.
This has led to rumours that the Toffees may look to keep the 20-year-old beyond his temporary spell on Merseyside by tempting Chelsea with a summer offer.
However, Martinez says that the London club are not willing to let Lukaku leave, rendering a deal impossible:
"I know Chelsea are not contemplating listening to any offers and Romelu is highly regarded there," he is quoted by the Daily Star.
"I rate Romelu as one of the best strikers in European footballnow. We want to keep Romelu as long as we can, but the reality is he's on loan for the season.
"They need to be the ones that give us the hint if it's pos
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says that there is little hope of making Romelu Lukaku's loan move to Goodison Park from Chelsea a permanent one at the end of the season.
The burly Belgian has enjoyed a fantastic opening half of the season with the Toffees, netting nine goals in 19 outings in the blue shirt.
This has led to rumours that the Toffees may look to keep the 20-year-old beyond his temporary spell on Merseyside by tempting Chelsea with a summer offer.
However, Martinez says that the London club are not willing to let Lukaku leave, rendering a deal impossible:
"I know Chelsea are not contemplating listening to any offers and Romelu is highly regarded there," he is quoted by the Daily Star.
"I rate Romelu as one of the best strikers in European footballnow. We want to keep Romelu as long as we can, but the reality is he's on loan for the season.
"They need to be the ones that give us the hint if it's pos