Romelu Lukaku reveals how Paul Pogba convinced him to join Manchester United ahead of £75m transfer from Everton
Lukaku has undertaken a medical in California where he is holidaying with good friend Pogba before he will be joined by his new teammates who jet out to LA on Sunday lunchtime
![Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba are great friends](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2017/07/09/12/pogba-lukaku-instagram.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Romelu Lukaku has revealed Paul Pogba played a big part in helping him choose Manchester United as his next destination.
The Everton striker is set to join United in a £75million deal imminently after the two clubs finally agreed a fee which could top £100m with bonuses and performance-related add-ons.
Lukaku has undertaken a medical in California where he is holidaying with good friend Pogba before he will be joined by his new teammates who jet out to LA on Sunday lunchtime for their 18-day pre-season tour of the United States.
And speaking about his impending transfer for the first time Lukaku has revealed Pogba's role in getting the deal over the line.
"I've been talking to [Pogba] for about seven or eight years. And now he's living in Manchester," he told ESPN. "I live in Manchester. He lives like down the road from where I live, so we're together on a daily basis.
"He was explaining to me how it went at the club, and it triggered something in my head. When the opportunity came, I didn't have to think twice. I'm really excited. I think they're all top players, a good group of guys that is hungry to win trophies.
"To play in front of those fans, everything is set there to perform. But, you know, I have to work harder than I'm doing now. I know the road is still far, but I'm willing to go on that path and grab the opportunity that I get."
Jose Mourinho has prioritised the addition of a No.9 this summer following the injury to and subsequent release of Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, Andrea Belotti of Torino and Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata on his shortlist.
But he has instead opted for Lukaku, a player who has scored 20-plus goals in each of the past three seasons for Everton, with the man himself over the moon.
"I'm really delighted to hopefully be part of their history," he added. "Who would say no to the biggest club in the world? The best stadium in England, the best fans, it's the perfect opportunity.
"I always said that I wanted to play for a team that was challenging for every trophy that there is, and I think Manchester United at the minute wants to be that dominant team, that dominant force.
"And if you look at their history it says enough and to become part of a club like them is something that I really wanted, and I'm thankful for the opportunity that they gave me."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments