Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku set to return to Inter Milan on loan to kickstart spending spree

Romelu Lukaku will seal his return to Inter Milan this week and kickstart Chelsea’s recruitment drive.

Chelsea and Inter are close to agreement on the terms of Lukaku’s loan fee after the Italians increased their opening offer of £6million to £8.5m with add-ons. A further video call is scheduled for Monday.

Chelsea have discussed potential discount on Inter players as part of negotiations with Milan Skriniar and Denzil Dumfries among the names floated but it is expected to be a straight loan deal as it stands.

New co-owner Todd Boehly was reluctant to let £97.5m signing Lukaku go but was convinced it was best for all parties once the Belgian made it clear how determined he was to leave.

Lukaku’s exit accentuates Thomas Tuchel’s need to find another goal threat and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling is at the forefront of plans.

Chelsea have still to make contact with City or discuss a possible fee but, with one year left on contract, they believe England international Sterling would be valued around £55m and is on wages of around £300,000 a week.

City have been prepared for Sterling’s departure, as with Gabriel Jesus, so will not stand in his way as they look to offset their own spending though Sportsmail understands the player is still considering all options.

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is at the forefront of Chelsea’s transfer plans

Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is also being monitored by Chelsea this summer

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is eager to make significant additions to his squad

Robert Lewandowski is admired by Chelsea also but his determination to join Barcelona makes that deal unlikely, however,…