Tottenham Hotpur boss Antonio Conte has played down any real possibility of him making a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku only re-joined Chelsea in a huge £97.5million deal from Inter Milan over the summer – and things started pretty well.
Goals against Arsenal and Aston Villa showed that Lukaku meant business upon his return to Chelsea.
However, Lukaku found it difficult to get back into Thomas Tuchel’s side following an injury.
Goals against Aston Villa and Brighton made it seem that Lukaku was back in favour at Chelsea, but he may now be in Tuchel’s bad books.
Lukaku has told Sky Italia that he was not happy with his situation at Chelsea having been left out for a number of games.
Lukaku added that he wants to re-sign for Inter one day, leaving some to feel that he is already angling for a Chelsea exit.
Tottenham boss Conte has now been asked about Lukaku’s situation. The pair had a strong relationship at Inter, winning the Serie A title together last season.
The chances of Chelsea selling Lukaku to Tottenham are probably around zero.
Even if you ignore their rivalry, Lukaku would cost way beyond what Tottenham could afford without selling Harry Kane.
Still, Conte was asked about signing Lukaku on Saturday, and he admitted to talkSPORT that he has a ‘great affection’ for the Belgian but played down any move from Tottenham.
“We need to talk about new signings, yes,” said Conte. “When I was appointed, I was told that we would meet to talk about new signings. Now I have everything clear.
”Lukaku words? I feel great affection for him but he’s Chelsea player,” he added.
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