Chelsea preparing £68million Romelu Lukaku bid as Everton play hardball over star striker

The Blues have already failed with a £57million offer but are ready to test the Toffees' resolve with an improved bid for the Belgian international

 Everton have told Chelsea that Romelu Lukaku will start the season with them unless they meet his staggering £75million valuation.

The Blues are ready to offer up to £68million for the 23-year-old striker having had a £57million bid rejected.

But Everton are refusing to compromise despite accepting he wants to return to Stamford Bridge. 

Mirrorfootball exclusively revealed news of the rejected £57million bid on Saturday.

It is understood talks between the two clubs have been ongoing for over a fortnight with Everton refusing to budge over the striker’s fee.

Chelsea will have to break the British transfer record to re-sign the Belgian

It means Chelsea will have to shatter the British transfer record, set by Manchester United when they signed Angel Di Maria for £59.7million from Real Madrid two years ago.

Chelsea’s offer is already more than double the £28million Everton paid for Lukaku two years ago. 

The Londoners have a lucrative five-year deal waiting for the Belgian, who scored 25 goals last season, at Stamford Bridge

They are determined to land him after Real Madrid made it clear that Spanish international Alvaro Morata will stay at the Bernabeu.