Romelu Lukaku set to 'write a new chapter' and sign for Everton on five-year-deal

Toffees close in on Lukaku signing after Besic and Barkley commit to Martinez

Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring in my ‘game of the season’ against Liverpool (Getty Images)

Everton are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on a five-year-deal despite reports this morning that the Blues were asking for £30m.

The 21-year-old Belgium international spent last season on loan at Goodison Park where he scored 15 goals as Roberto Martinez's side finished just outside of the Champions League places.

After training with former club Anderlecht this summer, fueling more speculation he was set to leave Jose Mourinho's men, the powerful forward then posted an image on social media this morning with the caption: "Time for a new chapter."

Lukaku is pictured on an aeroplane but his destination is unknown. Mourinho had expected him to join the Blues squad in the Netherlands but the former West Bromwich Albion loanee could now be headed for Merseyside.

Chelsea have already signed two strikers this summer, £30m Diego Costa and returning legend Didier Drogba, as the Belgian's hope of breaking into the starting line-up continues to fade.

During a recent tour of Thailand, Martinez was quoted as telling supporters that the Toffees 'would get him' but refused to discuss the topic during yesterday's press conference confirming Ross Barkley's new four-year contract.

Roberto Martinez announces Ross Barkley has agreed a new four-year deal with Everton (evertonfc.com)

Ian Atkins, Everton's head of recruitment, echoed his manager's sentiments on Saturday evening when he told talkSPORT: "Hopefully things can be sorted out, I think he’s quite settled in his mind that he wants to come to Everton, and hopefully he’ll be pulling on our blue shirt again next term."

Under current chairman Bill Kenwright, Everton have been notoriously stubborn to spend but look set to part with upwards of £23m to get their man.