Chelsea are expected to ‘aggressively challenge’ Manchester United for the signing of Romelu Lukaku, despite Everton accepting a £75million bid from the latter.

The Blues have chased the signature of Lukaku throughout the summer, with United having instead targeted Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid.

But earlier on Thursday it emerged that United had reached a £75m agreement with Everton over Lukaku, effectively ending their interest in Morata.

Despite United having an offer accepted by Everton, the Toffees expect Chelsea to ‘aggressively challenge’ for Lukaku.

Both The Guardian and The Independent report that the Blues are likely to return with an offer of their own for the striker.

Senior Everton sources have denied that the club have reached an agreement with United over a deal. The Guardian add that Chelsea ‘have noted Everton’s denial that a deal has been struck with interest’.

Miguel Delaney of the Independent reports that no fee has been agreed, but that there have ‘been positive discussions’ between Everton and United.

In turn, Chelsea could ‘aggressively challenge’ for the player, but ‘it would currently take something significant to dislodge United’.