Chelsea Won't Loan Romelu Lukaku to Atletico Madrid, says Agent

Chelsea are reluctant to send Romelu Lukaku out on loan for a third consecutive season, says the striker's agent, despite having already engaged in protracted talks to farm him off to La Liga's Atletico Madrid.

The 21-year-old spent the last campaign on loan at Everton, scoring 15 goals in all competitions, but is apparently still not part of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's plans.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that Chelsea, Atletico and Lukaku had already agreed principal terms over a loan for the striker and were expected to meet this week to finalise the deal with the Belgian striker's agent.

The Belgian's representative Oscar Darmiani Jr, however, says Lukaku is considering a new contract at Stamford Bridge and does not expect Chelsea to send him out on loan again, according to the Express.

"Chelsea do not want to loan him out," Darmiani said. "He has two years left on his contract and we would normally look at extending it shortly.

"Did I see him after the match against Russia? Yeah, he was pretty quiet but he is a player who does not have anything to prove.

"Of course, the World Cup is the World Cup. I am sure he will bounce back in the next game."

Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, has earmarked Lukaku as the perfect replacement for Diego Costa who is near to completing his £32m move to Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku himself recently suggested a summer exit should Chelsea complete the signing of the Brazilian-born Costa.

"You know Chelsea: every year they buy a new top striker. I remember me coming into the dressing room last year and seeing Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba and going: 'Whoah! What's happening here?'" said Lukaku earlier this summer.

"But no problem. Many clubs are interested in me. At this stage I have to look to myself. I have to play a good World Cup. That's very interesting for all the players looking for a transfer, and I must be one of them. Chelsea know my point of view."