Roma want permanent Lukaku deal

AS Roma would like to sign Romelu Lukaku on a permanent basis when his loan there from Chelsea expires at the end of the season, according to Sky Sports.

The Belgian striker has been on impressive form since leaving London for Rome, scoring nine goals in 13 matches in all competitions so far, including a 94th-minute winner against Lecce last week. Head coach Jose Mourinho obviously feels his team needs that kind of contribution not only now, but in the coming seasons as well. The club hierarchy are happy with the way Lukaku has settled in, and the 30-year-old himself is reportedly happy in the Italian capital.

It is believed the loan agreement includes an option for Roma to make the transfer permanent for around £30 million, but working on a very tight budget, sporting director Tiago Pinto is expected to try and negotiate a more favourable deal for the Serie A side. He is credited with the acquisitions of players like Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes.