Manchester United are planning to use Wayne Rooney as a makeweight in a dramatic bid to hijack Chelsea’s efforts to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

Antonio Conte has told Chelsea’s board to pay whatever it takes to land Lukaku but United have been given fresh encouragement in their own pursuit of the £100 million-rated Belgium striker and believe they can pip the Premier League champions for his signature.

United’s hand has been strengthened by Everton’s desire to re-sign Rooney, 13 years after he left Goodison Park for Old Trafford.

Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman, held talks with Rooney’s agent, Paul Stretford, in London on Wednesday as the Merseyside club close in on a deal for the England striker.