Tottenham Encouraged in Lukaku Pursuit As Striker Hints At Chelsea Exit

Tottenham have been boosted in their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku with the Chelsea striker giving his strongest hint yet that he is searching for a permanent exit from the club.

Lukaku had a successful season on-loan at Everton and the Toffees are believed to be hoping he will make his move to Goodison Park permanent this summer, but should Spurs make their interest concrete Roberto Martinez would struggle to compete financially in prizing him away from Chelsea.

And with the Blues about to purchase Diego Costa, Lukaku says he will be playing his heart out for Belgium in the World Cup to attract teams where he is guaranteed more playing time.

"You know Chelsea: every year they buy a new top striker," he explained, according to the Mirror. "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?'

"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."

Jose Mourinho has held back from praising Lukaku this season, saying his performances for Everton wouldn't justify a place in Chelsea's top side and hinting in February that the 21 year old is set to go elsewhere after deciding not to stay and fight for his place in the 2013-14 season.

And with the youngster's recent comments it would appear he is well aware he will be sold if the price is right, though a lot of clubs will be making enquiries after his performances for the Toffees in which he catapulted the side into a fight for Champions League football.

Lukaku could be a good fit at Tottenham who struggled for goals this season after spending big on strikers in the summer. Roberto Soldado looked a shell of the player who had been in top form for Valencia while Erik Lamela has failed to settle at White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe agreed to leave the club in January and a young striker full of potential like Lukaku could be just what incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino needs as he aims to take the side back into the Champions League.