Chelsea’s attempts to unsettle Romelu Lukaku have infuriated Everton, who are ready to take the same stance they adopted with John Stones 12 months ago by refusing to sell.
Though Chelsea remain confident they will take their former player back to Stamford Bridge with an offer of £65million plus Loic Remy, Everton say they have yet to receive any kind of contact — nor do they intend to encourage it.
Lukaku has been agitating for a move for most of the summer, frequently speaking about it, but it is Everton’s intention to keep him and they have opened talks about extending his contract, which has three years to run.
Manager Ronald Koeman is rebuilding his squad and wants to retain Lukaku so the club are prepared to be as obdurate as when they dealt with Chelsea over Stones last year.
Over two months Chelsea had four bids rebuffed — the last being £37m — and Everton would not buckle, despite Jose Mourinho, John Terry and Gary Cahill all speaking publicly about Stones.
They have not been as aggressive this time but Cheslea manager Antonio Conte hinted that he ‘thought something might happen’ in the transfer window.
Stones’ future remains up in the air, with Manchester City not yet returning with an improved bid.
Everton still expect to complete a £10m deal for Swansea’s Ashley Williams and have enquired about Southampton captain Jose Fonte and Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann.
Swansea hope to conclude a £6m deal for Sevilla striker Fernando Llorente, who wants a pay-off from Sevilla before he moves.