Paul Merson: Why would Everton’s Romelu Lukaku want to return to Chelsea?"

Paul Merson believes Romelu Lukaku has no reason to want to return to Chelsea as they can’t offer Champions League football next season. 

The Belgium international has spoken of his desire to play in Europe’s elite club competition next season and with Everton currently 12th in the Premier League, a move away has been mooted.

But former club Chelsea are only two places ahead of Everton and despite Antonio Conte’s impending arrival as manager, Merson says Lukaku should look elsewhere for a transfer.

He wrote for The Daily Star: “If you are Romelu Lukaku, why would you go back to Chelsea?

“I can understand it from their point of view: he’s a great striker who will score you loads of goals but he wants Champions League football.

“Chelsea can’t give him that next season. And there’s no guarantee they will qualify for it next season either under new boss Antonio Conte.”

Lukaku is the third-highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 18 goals in 30 appearances and is bound to attract attention from other clubs in the summer transfer window.

Still only 22, he has proved himself to a consistent and well-rounded forward, capable of holding up the ball, dominating defenders and finishing chances.

Everton have struggled this season, with a leaky defence and propensity to concede commanding positions undermining their league campaign.

Roberto Martinez’s side have won just nine of their 30 league games and their form at Goodison Park has been particularly disappointing.

Lukaku joined the Toffees permanently in 2014 for a club record fee of £28 million after a successful loan spell but appears to have out-grown the club.

Chelsea are set for a summer of change, with Conte likely to be targeting lots of players in the summer transfer window.

The Blues have Diego Costa, but Loic Remy, Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato have not impressed, meaning new forwards are a must, but it is unlikely they could tempt Lukaku to return to the club he spent three years with.