Chelsea round-up: Twist in Lukaku race; defender deal nears completion; offer made for striker

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Chelsea could be in for disappointment if BBC Sport journalist Richard Askam is accurate. He tweeted to suggest that Romelu Lukaku would in fact prefer a move to Manchester United over a return to Stamford Bridge this summer. The news comes as a shock given the sour relationship that many thought was shared between the Belgian and Jose Mourinho.

It seems possible that the suggestion is little more than a negotiating tactic as the two clubs still seem some way from any kind of agreement over a potential switch. That said though, United will have the money and the desire to compete for the prolific centre-forward and Chelsea will not want to miss out.

One player who does seem to be close to putting pen to paper is German international Antonio Rudiger. Sky Sports believe that the Roma defender is likely to join the club in the coming days with virtually all aspects of the deal agreed. Reportedly only personal terms  are left to be thrashed out in negotiations.

The 24-year-old will take a medical in Los Angeles this week ahead of a £34 million move, marking a substantial profit for the Italian club, who paid just £7.6 million for him from Stuttgart last summer after a successful season on loan.

That move could be partially funded by the sale of Diego Costa, as the Mirror report that the Spanish international is subject to offer from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side have submitted a proposal worth £22 million including incentives to bring their former striker back to the club.

Costa has been exiled by Antonio Conte and clearly has no future in west London, though some figures at the club may be frustrated that they look unlikely to be able to earn more money in selling their top scorer from last season.

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