Chelsea 'ready to entertain Romelu Lukaku loan bids'

Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have reportedly decided to change their stance regarding the future of Romelu Lukaku.

Ever since the forward's loan spell at Inter Milan came to an end earlier this summer, his future has been a topic for debate on a daily basis.

The general consensus has been that Chelsea will only entertain permanent bids for the 30-year-old, a consequence of needing to boost their position with FFP and lower their wage bill.

However, Boehly and Clearlake have found it more difficult than anticipated to facilitate the exit of the Belgium international, who has had admirers in Inter and Juventus.

Champions League runners-up Inter removed themselves from the negotiating table once they learned that Lukaku - a player who has spent three years at San Siro - was interested in signing for fierce rivals Juve.

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Meanwhile, Juventus have not been able to move into a position where they can afford to pay in the region of £35m for Lukaku courtesy of failing to sell Dusan Vlahovic.

Roma have been a recent addition to the race for Lukaku, yet it currently appears that they are more likely to sign Sardar Azmoun from Bayer Leverkusen.

Nevertheless, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea have softened their opinion when it comes to considering a loan exit for the former £97.5m signing from two years ago.

Although the West Londoners would still prefer a permanent sale, it is now alleged that a temporary deal will be considered providing that certain requirements are met.

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Boehly and Clearlake Capital are reportedly open to a loan exit with obligation to buy or a straight loan departure which includes a significant fee.

The report adds that each of Juventus and Roma retain an interest in Lukaku, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia who may prefer a permanent deal.

That said, Lukaku, thus far, has not given serious consideration to a switch to the Middle East, preferring to remain in Europe if a resolution can be found.

Mauricio Pochettino addressed Lukaku's future at a press conference on Thursday, confirming that he had not spoken to the player since his arrival and that there was little prospect of him being reintegrated into the first-team squad.