Chelsea make £18 million bid for Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is closing in on his dream move to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea lodged a £18 million bid for the Belgium striker, according to the 'Daily Mail'.

Anderlecht general manager Herman van Holsbeeck was in London for talks with Chelsea about a fee for a player dubbed the new Didier Drogba.

The negotiations have led to an offer that should clear the way for the 18-year-old to fulfil a lifelong ambition.

Anderlecht have already planned for Lukaku’s departure and hope to announce the signing of Liverpool forward Milan Jovanovic.

Lukaku is set to become Andre Villas-Boas’ second signing as Chelsea manager following the acquisition of Genk keeper Thibaut Courtois, who was awaiting permission from the former Porto coach to fly out to Spain for a season-long loan with Atletico Madrid.

Lukaku’s capture will raise questions over the futures of Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, although both seem keen to stay for another season at least.