Lukaku, in action during Everton’s pre-season friendly against Real Betis on July 30, has been linked with a return to Chelsea

Chelsea have told Everton that their next bid for Romelu Lukaku will be a take-it-or-leave-it offer and that they will not make another bid for the Belgium striker next year if the transfer is not completed this month.

The west London club were involved in a similarly acrimonious stand-off with Everton over John Stones last year and having had three offers rejected 12 months ago they have not returned with another this summer, despite his clear availability. The England defender is expected to join Manchester City for £50 million before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Chelsea are planning to pursue a similar strategy with Lukaku, who they sold to Everton for £28 million two years ago. They are now attempting to sign the