Spurs join chase for in-form Belgium international

Belgium’s World Cup campaign gets underway against Algeria at the Estádio Mineirão and it’s not just the Algerian centre-backs who will be keeping a close eye on the Red Devils striker Romelu Lukaku.

With rumours suggesting Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho does not see the Belgian hotshot in his first team plans at Stamford Bridge a number of clubs are eyeing up moves for the 21-year-old.

The impending arrival of Diego Costa in west London will see Lukaku’s chances of first-team football for the Blues limited and Tottenham, who are planning yet another summer squad overhaul, look set to battle for his signature.

They face stiff competition from Everton after Roberto Martinez signalled his intention to keep hold of Lukaku following a successful loan spell at Goodison Park last season during which he scored 15 goals for the Toffees.

It was the Belgian’s second impressive loan spell following a stint at the Hawthorns with West Brom the year before where he fired another 17 goals.

His eye for goal may have not impressed Mourinho enough to give him a chance with the Pensioners but new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino believes Lukaku can add some cutting edge to the north Londoners’ misfiring attack.

Tottenham chairman Daniel levy is prepared to back the Argentine in the transfer market despite spending £100m last year on new recruits.

But the Lilywhites could face competition, not only from Everton, but also Serie A champions Juventus in the race for Lukaku.

For now, the former Anderlecht striker, who scored four goals in his last three friendly matches for his country, is focussed on World Cup duty with Belgium, who are 22/1 with Ladbrokes to lift the trophy in Brazil.

Marc Wilmots’ side are 4/9 to get started with victory over Algeria withLukaku picked out to score two or more goals at 9/2 as one of our best bets for the match.

And if he can produce a performance like that there may be a few more suitors knocking on Chelsea’s door in the race to sign the Belgium international.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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