Chelsea will not sell Romelu Lukaku to Everton

CHELSEA have told Everton that they are wasting their time trying to sign loan star Romelu Lukaku in this month’s transfer window.

GOING NOWHERE: Romelu Lukaku

CHELSEA have told Everton that they are wasting their time trying to sign loan star Romelu Lukaku in this month’s transfer window.

The Belgium striker has been a massive hit at Goodison Park this season, plundering nine goals in 19 Premier League appearances.

But Toffees boss Roberto Martinez says there is no chance he will be able to persuade Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to sell him Lukaku this month.

“I know Chelsea are not contemplating listening to any offers and Romelu is highly regarded there,” Martinez said.

“I rate Romelu as one of the best strikers in European football now. We want to keep Romelu as long as we can, but the reality is he’s on loan for the season.

HANDS OFF: Jose Mourinho will not let Lukaku leave

“They need to be the ones that give us the hint if it’s possible or not in the future.

“As you can imagine the situation is we need to wait until the end of the season.”

Martinez is in the market for another striker having off-loaded Croatian Nikica Jelavic to Hull for £7.5m and the Spaniard wants someone to back up Lukaku and fire them into the Champions League.

He added: “We want another striker, but to help Rom not replace him.

“What is important is not spending money for the sake of it, but with a clear, long-term strategy as well.”