Chelsea set to launch 'final offer' to sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea have reportedly informed Everton that their next bid for Romelu Lukaku will be their last. The Blues are eager to re-sign the sought-after Belgian, but have warned the Toffees they will not pay an inflated fee for his services.

Chelsea sold Lukaku to Everton for £28m ($37m) two years ago and are now attempting to bring him back to Stamford Bridge, after he scored 45 goals in two seasons at Goodison Park. Last week, the West London club reportedly had a £57m offer rejected by Everton, who are adamant that they will not sell for less than £75m.

Chelsea, for their part, remain confident they will be able to secure Lukaku's return for a lower fee, partially because they are still owed some money by the Merseyside club for Lukaku's move two years ago, according to The Times. What's more, the deal reportedly featured a sell-on clause that will also be activated should Lukaku move to another club for more than £28m.

The Stamford Bridge club are set to use these factors to demand a lower fee, with further talks expected to take place between the two clubs this week. However, Chelsea's final bid for Lukaku is expected to be less than £70m.

Meanwhile, Chelsea maintain that any bid for Lukaku is unrelated to the future of striker Diego Costa. Antonio Conte, the new manager, is eager to pair Costa and Lukaku during the upcoming season, despite reports linking the Spanish striker with a return to Atletico Madrid.